Planning Case Study 167
East Deanery, South Church, Bishop Auckland, County Durham
Planning scenario(s)
Heritage assets affected
Undesignated heritage assets with archaeological and historic interest
Type of application & broad category
Local planning authority
Authority: Durham County Council
References: 3/2009/0478
Development proposal
Three new dwellings
Archaeological information known about the site before the planning application was made, or before the development commenced, as appropriate
A college of priests documented from 13th century, and the East Deanery, a Grade I listed building, lay immediately to the north of the application site. A watching brief during development to the east had recorded a medieval wall.
The area was also identified as an Area of Archaeological Interest in the Local Plan; Policy BE 17 stated that an archaeological assessment/evaluation would be needed in advance of proposed development.
Archaeological/planning processes
The required evaluation was not carried out by the developer. The application was refused because of the lack of information on the archaeological significance of the site, and the refusal reason cites the absence of an archaeological evaluation, contrary to the Local Plan Policy.
Outcomes: archaeological
The planning application refused on archaeological grounds.
