Agenda item

Proposed conversion of existing 3 bed dwelling house to create 2 x dwelling flats (1 x 1 bed & 1 x 2 bed). Including new front porch and rear single and two storey extensions

Recommendation: Grant

The Committee considered an application for a proposed conversion of an existing 3 bed dwellinghouse to create 2 x dwelling flats (1 x 1 bed and 1 x 2 bed). Including new front porch and rear single and two storey extensions at 15 Helmsley Way, Corby.

The Development Management Manager presented the report which detailed the proposal, description of the site, the planning history, relevant planning policies, outcome of consultations and an assessment of the proposal, providing full and comprehensive details.

The Committee considered the planning application report.

It was recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

A request to address the meeting had been received from the applicant, Mrs L Ciobanu and the Committee was given the opportunity to ask questions of clarification.

The applicant, Mrs L Ciobanu, addressed the committee and reported that the property was in a poor state and considered there to be a high demand for smaller accommodation of this type. She commented that she understood the concerns of neighbours. The applicant reported that she wanted to ensure parking was available in the vicinity and confirmed there was parking in that area. She added that the bins for each flat would be properly stored, the front and back gardens would be maintained by a property maintenance company and she would be seeking professional couples for the accommodation.

Members noted there was no dedicated off-street parking and queried the 8 – 10 car parking spaces within the vicinity. The Development Management Manager confirmed that a Parking Beat Survey had been carried out and the 8 – 10 car parking spaces had been identified.

Another member sought reassurance that this was not a house of multiple occupation (HMO). It was clarified by the applicant that it was not a HMO and would be two distinct properties.

The Chair then invited the Committee to determine the application.

During the debate members made several comments. These included concerns in relation to the car parking and the time in which the Parking Beat Survey had been carried out; felt the vicinity was already congested and had concerns for bus drivers; and considered the house was built for a family.

A member had concerns that it could be overdevelopment and a discussion took place regarding removing permitted development rights on the property. The Legal Adviser confirmed that you can remove permitted development rights for a house, but not flats,  therefore the removal of permitted development rights did not apply.

Other members supported the planning application and commented there would be a maximum of 4 people living in the accommodation and the flats were welcomed rather than a HMO dwelling.

It was proposed by Councillor Alison Dalziel and seconded by Councillor Ross Armour that planning permission be granted.

On being put to the vote, the motion for approval was carried by 6 votes with 3 abstentions.

RESOLVED:-

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions (and reasons) numbered 1 to 4 in the report.