Appeal 6006318

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for white rendering to all elevations of [site address] , in accordance with the terms of the application, reference DM/25/03030/FPA, and the plans submitted with it subject to the following condition:

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: PP-14433002v1 and A01.

The main issue is the effect on the character and appearance of the area.

The proposal is to apply white render to all elevations of the dwelling. The works have been completed. The proposal therefore is retrospective.

The property lies within a housing area that is made up of a series of cul-de-sacs which serve brick built, detached and semi-detached, houses and bungalows. The appeal property is a two storey detached dwelling. The rear faces the Green Lane public open space and play area. The dwelling and its neighbour have a forward facing gable which is not a common feature of this estate and these properties therefore represent a distinctive change in design from the uniform houses to the north; and those in the remainder of the estate, which generally have side facing gables. This dwelling is also set back when viewed from the north so has a reduced prominence within the street scene.

The work to the property has been carried out to a high standard. The dwelling now has a more modern, contemporary appearance. As the dwelling already differs in form from most of the houses in this estate, the contrasting materials now reinforce this difference. Rather than detract from the appearance of the area, it adds some interest to the street scene and uplifts the appearance of the property. It is not prominent when travelling down the hill due to its set back. When approaching from Appeal Decision: 6006318 the south, it is more prominent but it is also viewed in combination with the white rendered property on Green Lane in the background. It has only a limited impact on the views from the area of open space to the rear.

Overall, the introduction of the white render, particularly given the distinctive form of this property, represents a positive design intervention. As it contributes positively to the character of the area, it gains support from policy 29(a) of the County Durham Plan 2020. It does not conflict with the National Planning Policy Framework as it adds to the overall quality of the area.

The Residential Amenity Standards Supplementary Planning Document 2023 advises that materials should normally be in keeping with those of the host property. It also accepts the use of contemporary materials providing they reflect and respect the characteristics of the host property and the surrounding streetscape. Whilst departing from these requirements, given that the overall purpose of the document is to promote high quality design, this conflict does not weigh significantly against the development plan policy support.

[name] note the concerns expressed with regard to the timing of the works and potential changes to property values, these are not matters relevant to my considerations. I have also not had regard to the difficulties of returning the dwelling to its former condition as that would be a matter for the appellant.

[name] have had regard to the matters raised by local residents and the council, I conclude that the proposal represents a high standard of design and gains support from the development plan. I therefore allow the appeal.

As the works are complete and satisfactory in all respects, there is no requirement for conditions other than the approved plans condition.