The first floor and attic of 22 Silver Street, Durham, will be converted into a five-bedroom HMO by Ward Group Investments Ltd.
Durham County Council’s decision on May 19 came despite the City of Durham Parish Council and the City of Durham Trust both raising concerns about the project.
The council pointed out that the proposed positioning of waste bins on the external balcony would harm the conservation area’s appearance and the immediate setting of Durham’s World Heritage Site.
Objections also noted that the planned roof space bedrooms do not meet the required height standards, which could affect the living conditions of future residents.
The City of Durham Trust echoed these concerns, adding that the lack of bicycle storage, safety issues with balcony access, and the room height compliance failure were key issues.
The trust also highlighted the visual impact of the proposed bin storage, which would be visible from the bridge and feature in World Heritage Site panoramic views.
The trust said the percentage of the floor area meeting height standards falls below the 50 per cent requirement.
Mr Joseph Findlay also raised concerns, arguing previous businesses failed due to mismanagement rather than viability and that the right management could see the space successfully used again.
“It would be a real shame if the clear mismanagement of the previous two businesses led to the first floor permanently being converted to housing,” he said.
“If the right person were to come in and manage it properly, it could offer the great service that Esquires did for years.”
Despite these objections, the council deemed the internal layout sufficient under nationally described space standards.
The commercial ground floor will remain unaffected by the changes.
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Conditions for the conversion include a noise assessment, a bat risk assessment, and the requirement for sound insulation before occupancy.
The HMO will be privately managed, with refuse and recycling bins located adjacent to the entrance door.
The site will feature conservation-style rooflights and solid hardwood timber doors.
