PLANNERS have granted permission for a terraced property in Warrington, to be converted into a six-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
The certifcate of lawfulness application involved the proposed change of use to 6 person HMO, for the terraced property on Algernon Street, Warrington, includes a loft conversion, including dormer window to rear elevation, roof lights to front elevation and a rear single storey extension.
Local ward Cllr. and deputy leader of the council Cllr. Jean Flaherty had opposed the application stating: “These HMO conversions are now becoming overpowering in inner ward residential areas. The effect on the local community is potentially devastating.
“The initial tenants of these properties are likely to be high earners (due to the level of rent being asked) however, over time the properties will change hands and the likelihood is that we will see an influx of unscrupulous landlords which will result in further deterioration of residential areas and devaluation of private homes.
“The biggest problem by far is the number of cars that need to be parked on the narrow streets, which, when the houses were built, would not have been expected to accommodate any parked vehicles – most likely regular use would have been the horse-drawn milk float at 5 a.m.
“The current situation causes distress to existing residents already, with concerns about access for waste management lorries, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles etc., and the resultant road rage which is starting to appear in streets close by. The style of development with the roof boxes is not in keeping with the area and is destroying the community amenity, many of the extensions cause serious overshadowing to the limited outside space enjoyed by those living in these terraced properties. I consider this to be overdevelopment in so many different ways. I understand that this alteration will be carried out under Permitted Development Rights but that does not make it right. Unfortunately, once these changes are made, they cannot be undone. This is damaging residents’ day to day lives and devaluing their properties.”
The public were not notified of this application as it is for a lawful development certificate and there is no requirement for the LPA to notify the public. Ward Councillors have been notified for information
purposes only.
But three representations from members of the public have been received, all in objection to the proposal.
These are summarised as such:
Impact on the character of the area.
Increase in on-street parking and risks for delivery vehicles, bin lorries etc.
Dormer not in keeping with the local area.
Amenity concerns due to noise and waste.
Overshadowing from extension to neighbours.
Overlooking and privacy concerns from extensions.
But the application was approved under delegated powers by borough council planners as the proposed development would comply with the criteria of permitted development.
