Plans to convert a Durham house into apartments have been refused by the council.

The owner of 9 Station Lane, Gilesgate, had submitted an application to divide the house into two one-bedroom apartments.

This would have involved minor external changes including window and door adjustments.

However, the council turned down the proposal, citing failure to meet internal space standards, as outlined in the County Durham Plan.

This decision was made despite the owner, Sugar Tree Limited, attempting to address previously raised concerns.

The property, a two-storey, stone-built former outbuilding, is located within the Durham City Conservation Area.

It is also in close proximity to the Grade II Listed former Gilesgate Railway Station.

This was not the first time the owner had faced refusal.

A similar application was turned down in 2022 for inadequate internal space and design impacts on heritage.

The council considered several objections, including those from Durham City Parish Council and the City of Durham Trust.

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Objections were primarily based on insufficient space standards, the impact on family housing stock, and potential effects on the student market.

The council's decision was made on November 14, and the owner now has six months to appeal the decision under Section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

In the planning statement submitted with the application, the owner argued that the revised plan meets the need for smaller housing in a high-demand area.

The owner had also contended that the internal design meets the Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS).

The planning statement also indicated that Durham University had shown potential interest in the apartments for student tenants.

However, the owner stressed that the apartments were not exclusive to students, addressing Policy 16.2 for non-purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) housing needs.

The proposed development was intended to cater to a variety of tenants, including students, professionals, and couples.

Despite these arguments, the council still deemed the floor space inadequate for future occupants.