An appeal has been launched against the refusal of plans for a bungalow on a former kennel site.

Mr Darran Green's proposal to demolish the current kennels at the back of Johnsons Buildings, Iveston Lane, Durham, and build a three-bedroom dormer bungalow was rejected on November 4.

The application site, measuring 664 square metres, is currently used as a kennel and access road.

Mr Green's plans included increasing the parking spaces from two to four.

The bungalow was to be constructed using brickwork for the walls, artificial slate for the roof, and lead cladding for dormer windows.

The planning statement argued that previous approvals for nearby dwellings had set a precedent for development in semi-rural locations.

Highways initially raised concerns about safety due to the access point onto a high-speed road.

However, they later conditionally accepted the proposal after data was provided by the applicant's consultant.

Despite this, the council found that the application conflicted with County Durham Plan (CDP) policies.

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The site was not considered "well-related" to the village, being visually and physically isolated, which was deemed a violation of backland development principles.

Durham County Council also stated that, without special justification, new residential development in the countryside, as proposed, is generally unsupported.

The design and materials of the proposed bungalow were also deemed incompatible with the surrounding rural vernacular, contrasting with nearby historic buildings.

No objections or support were received from neighbours during the public consultation.

The council's decision notice highlighted inappropriate backland development and a lack of integration with the built-up settlement of Iveston as reasons for refusal.

The proposed design was also criticised for not reflecting the local character.

Applicants have a right to appeal planning application refusals if they make their appeal within six months of plans being turned down by the council.