# 115 North Road, Darlington (roller shutters)

- **Decision:** allowed, 23 September 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: N Armstrong
- **Authority:** Darlington (North East)
- **Appeal reference:** 6011290
- **Application reference:** 25/01388/FUL
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** Retrospective external roller shutters to two windows and a replacement shutter to the entrance door of a hot food takeaway
- **Site context:** inside-settlement
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** August 2026 NPPF
- **Determinative policies:** DP3(1)
- **Development plan policies:** Darlington Local Plan 2016-2036 DC1
- **Main issues:** character and appearance
- **Tags:** tier-2, retrospective, shopfront, limited-nppf-engagement, parties-consulted-on-2026-framework

## Summary
Retrospective roller shutters on a Darlington takeaway were allowed. They covered only the openings, were muted in colour and were typical of the street.

## Issues and findings
- **Character.** "Whilst other external roller shutters may not have been granted planning permission, nonetheless, they are prevalent and form part of the established character of the area." (DL ¶8). The shutters accord with DC1, and "the development does not conflict with the Framework and its aims for development proposals to respond to their context" (DL ¶11).

## Transferable points
- Unauthorised but prevalent features can form part of the established character against which a proposal is judged (DL ¶8).

## Policy findings
- **DP3(1): accord.** muted shutters over openings only, common in the area; no conflict with the Framework aims for proposals to respond to context (DL 8-11)

## Key facts
- External shutters prevalent in the area, whether or not permitted (DL 8)
- No conditions imposed as the works are complete (DL 12)

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6011290
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/7ba2c266-baff-44b0-8ea1-224c79422b35

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6011290.html

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