Agenda item

Application for determination:

Change of use from 28 bed HMO (sui generis) to 10 x self contained one bed flats (C3). Two storey rear extension and associated landscaping.

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report detailing an application for a change of use from a 28 bed HMO (sui generis) to 10 x self-contained one bedroom flats, a two storey rear extension and associated landscaping.

A representative from BTS Trading Ltd addressed the Committee in favour of the application.

He stated that the application should be granted on the following grounds:

-        The proposals had been subject to detailed discussions with Officers and the principle of the development had their support.

-        The design had taken into account space and accessibility considerations.

-        The site was most recently used as a large 28 bedroom HMO which had been closed due the management struggling to deal with issues which were occurring at the building. The proposals would bring a vacant building back into use and provide housing for the City which was much needed.

-        The area had a high concentration of HMOs and the change of use would benefit the housing mix in the area and improve the quality of the accommodation.

-        The proposals improved and enhanced a conservation area and the developer had looked at all options to make the proposal policy compliant.

-        The County Council’s Highways service had no objections to the proposals.

-        In respect of the on-street parking, there was recognition that the site was in a very sustainable location with city centre walking opportunities and public transport provision.

Members’ Questions.

The Principal Planning Officer responded to Members’ questions concerning highways and parking considerations, the existing use of the building, the location of the bin area, the number of people likely to be resident at the property, and whether any of the flats were reserved for social housing as follows:

-        The County Council Highways Service had been consulted and were satisfied that car parking to the rear of the site for 5 cars was sufficient. There would also be cycle storage.

-        The most recent use of the building was a 28 bedroom HMO and the proposed change of use would be for 10 self-contained flats.

-        The bin storage space would be to the rear of the property towards the left-hand side.

-        The flats were one bedroom flats but the report outlined that they could accommodate a mix of one and two persons.

-        The proposal was for market housing rather than social housing.

Members’ Debate

Councillor Finnegan noted that she had previously lived in the area, which was well known for heavy traffic during school term-time. However, she observed that the proximity to the rugby ground and to the Royal Gloucester Hospital could make it an attractive residence for local doctors and nurses.

The Chair commented that the proposal would bring extra homes for residents and would bring a vacant building back into use.

Councillor Conder stated that she understood concerns around parking provision, but acknowledged that no scheme was perfect and that the proposal would benefit the community. It was her view that the proposal was preferable to the building remaining empty and that an imminent parking scheme could persuade some residents to opt for sustainable travel options.

Councillor D. Brown confirmed that he supported the application, particularly as this was an area with a very high saturation of HMOs.

The Chair moved and the Vice-Chair seconded the Officer’s recommendation as amended in the late material.

RESOLVED that: - Planning Permission is granted subject to the conditions outlined in the report as amended in the late material.