Plans to convert the first floor of a Victorian warehouse in County Durham into a residential space have been approved.

The two-storey outbuilding, situated within the grounds of Grade I listed Blagraves House in Barnard Castle, will see its first floor, currently used for storage, transformed into living quarters.

This is part of a wider proposal which includes replacing the roof, installing solar panels and rooflights, replacing windows and doors, and fitting a new pipe.

Durham County Council granted permission to the plans on October 31, with several conditions.

Located in the Barnard Castle Conservation Area, the building has been cleared for these changes following the application made on June 27.

While there were no objections from the Highways Authority, Nuisance Action Team, Design and Conservation, and Ecology teams, there were public concerns.

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Two letters of objection were received, raising the visual impact of solar panels on the roof.

The development must begin within three years of the decision date, and the residential accommodation must stay as an ancillary to Blagraves House, not as an independent dwelling.

Roof replacement will require prior approval of materials to match conservation standards, and construction hours will be restricted to minimise noise impact on surrounding residents.

There is no need for a Biodiversity Gain Plan, as the project meets exemptions.

Before starting work, the commencement must be notified, and the project will be monitored to ensure adherence to approved plans and conditions.

Occupants have been advised to apply for a parking permit for nearby long-stay car parks.