Owen Temple

Glenroyd House has finally got conditional permission for a change of use for a limited part of the building. That part will become offices for Derwentside Community Volunteers and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

 Changes of access to make an entrance alongside the current Rosemount entrance, together with a much more limited use of the building, made the application more acceptable to councillors as a whole.

 I myself had written to the committee requesting that two conditions were applied:

• Limitation of hours to use between 8.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.
• Rear access via Larch Street other than for deliveries to be prevented by locking gates

I’m pleased that both limitation of hours and requirement to regulate traffic at the rear entrance were included in the conditions, as well as the requirement for a detailed revised scheme for parking.

 I also understand that this agreement will result in withdrawal of the appeal against the refusal of the previous application. That will both save the council time and money, and prevent the risk of a successful appeal. That in turn saves local residents from the possibility of the unfettered development previously sought. 

 I have no doubt that a permanent home for both the Derwentside CVS and Citizens Advice Bureau in Consett will benefit local people. It was also important, however, that the interests of Glenroyd’s immediate neighbours were taken properly into account.

Provided that the two organisations now deliver on their promises for the buildings and the grounds, this eyesore should be returned to useful service for the people of Consett, and a pleasant “treed” space in this key central location.