Darlington Borough Council approved plans to replace the vacant building on Eldon Street with 12 affordable residential dwellings on January 15.
The development will include four three-bedroom houses and eight two-bedroom houses, all managed by North Star Housing Group.
Homes will be available for affordable rent, meeting the National Planning Policy Framework’s definition of affordable housing.
Homes England grant funding will partially finance the development to ensure long-term affordability.
The site, vacated in August 2022, covers 1,297 square metres in a residential area surrounded by terraced housing.
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With no existing residential use, the development will result in a net gain of 12 residential units.
As part of the planning permission, each property will have electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle storage.
The development must begin within three years, adhering to approved plans that include specific design and technical standards.
The homes will have a terrace-style layout reflecting the local character of Eldon Street.
Design features include facing brickwork, horizontal panel cladding, grey UPVC windows, and grey concrete slate roof tiles.
Each home will have a front garden with shrubs and planting, while the rear yards will include masonry walls for privacy.
The site will also provide 12 parking bays at the rear, with EV charging provisions.
Additional on-street parking will be available.
In terms of accessibility, one dwelling will be wheelchair-adaptable, built to M4(3)(a) standards, while the remaining homes will meet M4(2) adaptable and accessible standards.
The development aligns with the Darlington Local Plan, contributing to the supply of affordable housing and fulfilling housing needs.
The Strategic Housing Market Assessment highlights a demand for two- and three-bedroom affordable homes, which this development addresses.
The existing building, identified as a non-designated heritage asset with low architectural significance, will be demolished to provide affordable housing.
No objections or significant public concerns were noted in the documents.
Redevelopment was considered necessary due to the site’s vacancy and the unviability of the previous use.