THERE have been no breaches of planning control at a village pub where local residents have raised concerns over it becoming a HMO.
Independent councillor Neil Johnson has issued an update on what is happening at The Grey Horse pub in Glazebury, Warrington, after local residents raised concerns at plans to turn the property into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Cllr. Johnson has been in regular contact with the Planning Enforcement Officer and, following their investigation, has issued the following statement.
“The Council is of the opinion that a change of use of the first floor to a HMO would require planning permission and consent would be required prior to such a use operating from the address.
“To date, no such application has been submitted, however both the developer and project manager have now been advised that planning permission would be required and the Council is awaiting clarification/confirmation in terms of finalised proposals for the property and how they plan to proceed.
“The Planning Enforcement officer has confirmed that they will be chasing up the situation this week from a planning enforcement perspective to get some more clarity. I will also be talking to the WBC Private Sector Housing Officer to discuss the situation from an HMO license perspective and get some advice in terms of the proposed HMO being located in close proximity to the school.
“In terms of enforcement action, there is no breach of planning control to date as only internal works have been carried out to the property which do not require planning permission. However, if the condition/appearance of the property is not addressed and/or the unauthorised use of the first floor as an HMO commences prior to consent having been applied for/granted, then the Council will consider pursuing formal action.
“I will keep residents updated in terms of progress over the next few weeks.”
