Plans to convert garages into two bungalows have been approved by the council.

Durham County Council has given the green light for the conversion of garage blocks on Hatfield Road, Newton Aycliffe, into two-bedroom bungalows, despite objections from Great Aycliffe Town Council.

The town council had raised concerns that the development, by housing association Livin, did not meet the parking requirements set out in the Great Aycliffe Neighbourhood Plan (GANP).

Policy H3 of the plan mandates two off-road parking spaces for two-bedroom houses.

The proposed development offers only three spaces in total for the two bungalows, so the town council suggested the use of a small area of grass to create additional parking.

Despite their objections, the town council acknowledged the importance of providing more bungalows, particularly for the elderly population, indicating an unmet need in the community.

The planning application noted that the existing site consists of garage blocks currently used as parking, with seven of the 11 garages vacant.

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The planning application was approved with several conditions, including the submission of a land contamination assessment and nutrient neutrality certification before the project started.

The approval also mandates the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

A detailed construction management plan, covering issues like noise, dust, and community engagement, must also be submitted.

The site is not in a flood-risk area, and sustainable drainage methods will be implemented.

The council’s planning department, in its review, described the area as underutilised, and saw the redevelopment as a way to make better use of the land.

The bungalows are primarily designed for older residents on an affordable rental basis.

The development was praised for its sustainable design, including energy-efficient features like solar panels and air-source heat pumps.

The report noted some impact on the neighbouring property at 10 Hatfield Road, particularly due to the increased height of the new bungalows, but this was not considered significant enough to warrant refusal.

No public objections were received, apart from the one from the town council.