Existing Housing Stock

Home Extensions

Policy HS9

Proposals for extensions or other alterations to residential property will be permitted if they satisfy the following criteria:

1. the scale of the proposed extension will not detract from the character of the original building or its setting;
2. the form, design and materials proposed are in character with the original building;
3. there will be no significant adverse impact on the privacy or amenity of adjoining property;
4. adequate access and parking arrangements can be provided; and
5. there will be no significant adverse impact on the character of the locality.

3.37 It is necessary to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the existing stock of dwellings in the District. For this reason, improvements to existing dwellings will normally be welcomed. However, the Council is concerned to ensure that works of home improvement do not adversely affect the locality within which the property is situated, the reasonable enjoyment of adjoining residents or the character and appearance of the original building. In this latter respect, it is unlikely that a substantial increase in the size of a building, such that a significant change in its character or appearance results, will be found acceptable. This is particularly likely to be the case where substantial additions would be out of scale with the existing dwelling or neighbouring properties or where the resultant building would become unduly prominent in the countryside.

Residential Subdivisions

Policy HS10

Consent for the conversion of buildings into flats or for multi-occupancy will be granted providing;

1. adequate access, off-street parking and amenity space can be provided;
2. the privacy and amenity of adjoining properties is not significantly adversely affected; and
3. the scheme of conversion proposed is sympathetic in scale and character to the property concerned and its locality.

3.38 The subdivision of large suitable buildings can prove useful in contributing to the general housing stock. Not only does such development allow the rationalisation of underused space, it also helps to provide lower cost accommodation attractive to first time or retired buyers.

Renovation in Alston Moor

Policy HS11

The renovation of former dwellings in Alston Moor parish will be permitted where:

1. the former dwelling is physically capable of restoration without significant extension to provide accommodation of an adequate standard;
2. any detailed proposal, through the use of traditional materials and a minimum of external alteration, is able to retain the traditional character and appearance of the building concerned and its locality;
3. a satisfactory standard of access and amenity space can be achieved commensurate with the nature of the proposal; and
4. any impact upon landscape, archaeological or nature conservation interests is acceptable.

3.39 In furtherance of national and Structure Plan policy concerning development in the countryside the re-occupation of long abandoned isolated dwellings is not normally permitted. In the Alston Moor parish, however, the traditional economy of small holding and mining has resulted in a pattern of settlement characterised by a large number of such isolated dwellings. Many of these have been abandoned and allowed to deteriorate. If renovated sensitively, however, they are capable of providing additional accommodation at reasonable cost while contributing to the preservation of the traditional settlement pattern. Policy HS11 recognises this exceptional situation and facilitates appropriate renovation. In the light of the exceptional nature of proposals of this type, stringent control will be exercised over the design and materials to be used in renovation and also over subsequent alterations. In order to secure the latter control, conditions removing permitted development rights may be imposed at the time planning consent for renovation is granted. It should also be noted that buildings of the type concerned may provide a valuable habitat for wildlife, including endangered species such as bats or barn owls. In considering renovation and evaluating applications it will be necessary to have regard to Policy NE7.