Policy H4 2017

Policy H4: Our Neighbourhood Outside the Conservation Areas

To protect and enhance Our Neighbourhood outside the conservation areas development proposals will only be permitted if they fulfil the following requirements:

1. protect and enhance the distinctive setting of the individual neighbourhoods; and
2. use high design quality that is sympathetic to the character of the individual neighbourhoods. Applicants need to convincingly demonstrate their understanding of the neighbourhood’s character and how it has influenced their design.

Justification

4.54 Our Neighbourhood extends to the north of the City Centre as far as the suburb of North End, including County Hall and Aykley Heads; to the north-west the residential area of Whitesmocks and west of the A167 Toll House Road, Quarry House Lane and Nevilles Cross Bank leading to Stonebridge; to the south are the Hill Colleges and University Science Park, the Botanical Gardens, and as far as the Burn Hall Conservation Area.

4.55 The characterful residential area at North End, including North and South Crescent, Fieldhouse Lane and adjoining streets, comprises a number of dwellings built in the inter-war period. Architectural features such as doors, porches and windows are of local interest. Extensions are popular additions and should be well designed in keeping with the properties character and appearance. Adjacent to this suburb is Flass Vale, a hidden rural wilderness which adds charm to the area. Residential properties lining Nevilles Cross Bank cover a range of periods from late 19th century terraces to modern houses. To the west of the City and on either side of Tollhouse Road lies the site of the Battle of Nevilles Cross, 1346. The remaining stump of the original medieval cross, marking an approach to the City at Nevilles Cross, is worthy of restoration. In the south of Our Neighbourhood are the University Hill Colleges, Science Park and Botanic Gardens, beyond which is the natural landscape right down to the River Wear and offering space for recreation. The local character of parts of the City which lie outside the Durham City Conservation Area are predominantly residential with some green areas of scenic amenity and value. Here live many local families and older people, who cherish their neighbourhoods and care about the quality of development.

Next section: Policy H5: Listed buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens and Registered Battlefields