DURHAM University has applied for listed building consent to demolish a 1960s extension to a grade-II listed building on its land.

Space Architects have been appointed by the university to submit the Planning and Listed Building Consent applications to Durham County Council for the demolition of the rear extension to 24 Old Elvet, Durham.

A design and access statement states that the 1960s extension is of poor structural condition and does not contribute any architectural or historical interest to the building's frontage.

Previous approval to a similar request was granted in 2016, however that approval has now lapsed.

The extension is directly to the rear of the property and is constructed of steel frame, enclosed by facing brick and timber cladding. The roof is flat construction with built up felt finish.

The extension has suffered from ground movement issues for some time and in 2012 the decision was taken to no longer use the extension as academic space. The extension has remained vacant since.

During this time the ground movement problems have continued to develop and the building is now in serious structural condition and is progressing towards failure and collapse.

The extension will be demolished and the footprint in which it stood reinstated with a landscaping scheme complimentary of its heritage environment.

This structural movement has accelerated deterioration of the external fabric and the condition is now such that the extension’s appearance detracts from both the setting of the listed building and the largely visible location its holds within the Durham City conservation area, particularly from the river banks footpaths and their views back to the City and the World Heritage Site.

The original rear entrance to the property was maintained when the extension was constructed and this remains in place today with its original access from the front of the property via a paved footpath.

This footpath links to an access gate on the northern edge of the boundary via paved steps. These will also remain in place.

Once removed the land would also be made good to complement the existing green character of the back lane forming part of the riverside walk.

The works would therefore accord with both national and local planning policies which are in place to either preserve or enhance the city’s historic environment.

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