Darlington Borough Council granted a Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use to Mr Scott Thompson.
The approval confirms the lawful development of a single three-bedroom residential dwelling at 3 Stanhope Road North, Darlington, from a former one-bedroom flat and a two-bedroom flat.
The conversion back to its original format as a two-storey mid-terrace dwelling house did not require planning permission as the internal works do not qualify as development under planning law.
Submitted by Prism Planning Ltd on October 23, the application highlighted these points, referencing planning legislation and conservation policies.
It was noted that the proposal aligns with preserving the character of the West End Conservation Area, where the property is located.
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The statutory decision date was set for December 18, but the decision was finalised earlier on November 28.
The internal changes to the property, which is a west-facing mid-terraced dwelling, do not materially alter its external appearance or use class, which remains in Class C3: Dwellinghouses, according to the planning assessment.
The project does not increase occupancy or wastewater output and is exempt from related restrictions.
A site notice was posted as required, and no public objections were received.
The Highway Officer also raised no issues.
The decision certifies the lawful use as of the application date under Section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Darlington Borough Council recommended approval as the proposed use met the criteria for permitted development and a decision notice granted the Certificate of Lawfulness for the conversion of the property into a single dwelling house.
The property, now a single-dwelling house, will continue to be used for residential purposes.
