The Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal to renovate a two-storey semi-detached property in the Sherburn Road estate, Durham, at Goodyear Crescent. The application, submitted by Sugar Tree Limited, also included plans for a single-storey rear extension. But planning officers at Durham County Council opposed the scheme, and said it should be refused due to the proposed House in Multiple Occupation’s (HMO’s) “unacceptable” impact on neighbouring residents. The proposal was considered by the Planning Inspectorate after Sugar Tree Limited, the applicant, appealed because the council failed to determine the planning application within the statutory timescale. For the reasons given above, I therefore conclude that the appeal should be dismissed."