Policy H3: Our Neighbourhood Outside the Conservation Areas
Development proposals within Our Neighbourhood outside the Conservation Areas should, where appropriate, demonstrate an understanding of the area of the proposed development and its relationship to Our Neighbourhood as a whole.
Development proposals outside the Conservation Areas should take into account, and meet where appropriate and relevant to the area to which the proposal relates, the following requirements, by:
- sustaining and making a positive contribution to the character and distinctiveness of the area; and
- avoiding the loss of open space and public realm that contributes to the character and appearance of the surrounding area; and
- using high quality design which contributes to the quality and character of the area; and
- having scale, density, massing, form, layout, landscaping and open spaces appropriate to the context and setting of the area; and
- using materials and finishes appropriate to the context and setting of the area.
Justification
4.58 Our Neighbourhood extends beyond the Durham City Conservation Area to the north of the City as far as the suburb of North End, including County Hall and Aykley Heads; to the north-west is the residential area of Whitesmocks and west of the A167 is Toll House Road, Quarry House Lane and Neville’s Cross Bank leading to Stonebridge; to the south is a Durham University site, and the Burn Hall Conservation Area. These areas are of significance to residents, and the characteristics of these buildings and their setting will become the heritage assets of the future and need to be protected today.
4.59 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 interwar 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 Neville’s 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 Toll House Road lies the site of the Battle of Neville’s Cross, 1346. The remaining stump of the original medieval cross, marking an approach to the City at Neville’s Cross, is worthy of restoration and subsequent maintenance. In the south of Our Neighbourhood are Durham University’s Lower and Upper Mountjoy site, the University Hill Colleges and Botanic Gardens. Beyond is 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.
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