10-bedroom HMO plan approved for Garden Street, Darlington

Sapphire Developments will convert the property on Garden Street into a house of multiple occupation (HMO).

The development will see the office refurbished into ten self-contained bedrooms, after plans were approved by Darlington Borough Council on March 2.

Sapphire Developments argued there will be no negative impact on the neighbours.

Planning officers noted: “This proposal, which seeks to bring a vacant commercial building back into active use through conversion to a 10-bedroom HMO, fully aligns with national policy objectives.

“It makes productive use of an underutilised building within the development limits of Darlington, as confirmed by the council at pre-application stage, and contributes directly to the mix and supply of housing in a highly sustainable town centre location.”

Noise concerns were addressed with conditions for acoustic glazing and trickle vents to be installed.

New windows will be installed, a choice agreed upon as an acceptable compromise between preserving historical features and ensuring the building is functional.

Additional conditions tied to the planning approval include installation and retention of refuse and cycle storage before occupation, and submission of a final nutrient credit certificate.