Plans to create a HMO in a County Durham town have been approved by the council.

The property, a former bank in the town centre of Stanley, will see its first and second floors converted into a seven-bedroom HMO.

These floors had previously been approved for conversion into residential flats.

Conversion will involve only internal work, meaning the building's façade and structure will remain unchanged with the ground floor of the building already in use as a hot food takeaway.

The new plans were assessed against the County Durham Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Durham County Council's assessment confirmed that the conversion would not lead to an over-concentration of HMOs within 100 metres of the property.

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The conversion will increase the percentage of HMOs in the area to 10 per cent, staying within the permissible limit.

Noise, odour, and amenity impacts on both existing and future residents have been addressed through conditions, including enhanced acoustic insulation.

The building is recognised as a non-designated heritage asset, but due to the internal nature of the works, no impact is expected.

Proposals align with sustainable development principles and support the re-use of vacant town centre properties according to the council.

Conditions attached to the approval include the installation of cycle storage before the HMO is occupied, which must remain functional during the building’s use as an HMO.

Adequate bin storage facilities must also be provided and maintained.

A management plan is also in place, including tenant guidelines to minimise disturbances.

In terms of ecological considerations, the proposal qualifies for exemption under de minimis criteria due to the lack of significant physical development.

Public consultation involved notifying 30 properties and posting a site notice.

One objection was raised with concerns about community cohesion if the plans were to be approved, but the council considered these to be minor.

Highways Development Management raised no objections due to the sustainable location and proposed cycle storage.