Plans to convert the upper levels of a historic Darlington building into five apartments have been approved by the council.

Formerly the site of bakery Mrs Palmer's Pantry, the building was put on the market earlier in the month.

The building, a 19th-century structure within the Darlington Town Conservation Area,

Darlington Borough Council has now greenlit the proposals, which will transform the upper floors of 3-5 Bakehouse Hill into self-contained apartments.

The design ensures minimal impact on the building's heritage character, with the project also including external repairs, re-roofing with natural slate, and replacing single-glazed timber windows with uPVC double-glazed windows.

Proposals, covering a total site area of 130 square metres, are for four one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat.

The upper floors, formerly used as a café and storage space, will now serve as residential apartments.

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Natural England raised no objections but highlighted the need for nutrient neutrality, which will be achieved through the purchase of 2.56 nutrient credits.

This measure is intended to mitigate potential adverse effects on the Teesmouth & Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site.

Darlington Borough Council granted approval for the conversion, subject to several conditions.

The building's timber windows were deemed beyond repair, leading to their replacement with uPVC windows, a decision seen as a reasonable compromise due to improvements in modern uPVC quality.

To address noise concerns, the developer is required to implement acoustic measures, including double glazing and alternative ventilation systems.

The development aligns with local planning policies focusing on heritage protection, sustainability, and residential amenity standards.

Darlington Council granted planning permission on October 15, with conditions such as the development beginning within three years from the date of permission.