Durham County Council approved plans for a garden building at 3 Ivy Terrace in South Moor.
Chris Robson applied for this on November 27, 2024. He planned to build in the garden. Work actually started earlier, beginning October 21, 2024. Building began without permission.
The garden building will be detached. Night grey cedar cladding is planned, and the roof will have Marley Eternit Birkdale slate. Windows and doors have black frames.
It will include red brick dwarf walls matching the existing ones. Pedestrian and car access stays the same, and parking arrangements remain unchanged too.
Existing hedges stay untouched with no trees removed or cut. This project does not need a biodiversity gain, as it is exempt as a householder application.
Planning permission requires the project to start within three years and follow the approved plans. These include location details and elevations.
The garden building has usage limits, allowing only for things linked to the house. Trade or business use is not allowed, and it cannot be a separate home.
The area has risks of mine shafts; shallow coal workings exist there, and gas hazards could also appear. Therefore, avoid building over old mine tunnels and get expert advice if unavoidable.
Durham Council can take action if rules are not followed. The applicant must tell the council before building and submit a start of work form.