The studio, A & J Tattoos, owned by Mr Alex Jewers, is located at 37 Front Street, Sacriston. The building has a history of operating as a newsagent and previously saw planning applications to turn it into a takeaway.
A change of use was approved on January 10, following a retrospective application for converting the former newsagent into a tattoo studio, alongside the installation of signage.
The studio began operations on November 8, 2024, before the council’s formal approval, and operates Monday to Friday from 10am to 3.30pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
It remains closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
Durham County Council approved the application with conditions, including adherence to the submitted plans and limiting the operating hours to 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.
The retrospective nature of the application resulted in a warning for initiating work prior to permission approval, although no penalties were applied.
Most read
Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here.
Pre-application advice had been given by the council on November 8, 2024, indicating no objections at that time.
The applicant, who rents the space, had secured approval from the property owner for the changes.
A new shopfront and signage, featuring a modern blue shutter and glass panelling, were assessed to have no adverse impact on the streetscape or adjacent properties.
The Parish Council, Environmental Health, and Highways raised no objections to the recent change of use, with five neighbours consulted and no responses received.
The development complies with several policies from the County Durham Plan, including those supporting the reuse of properties within designated local centres and recognising exemptions from biodiversity net gain requirements.
Being entirely indoors, the tattoo studio’s operations do not impact biodiversity.