Mosque extensions and mortuary at 46-52 Duncombe Street, Bletchley, Milton Keynes

“Proposal: The erection of an outbuilding in the rear garden for use ancillary to the mosque as a mortuary. The demolition of the existing rear extensions and outbuilding. The erection of a single storey rear extension, a first- floor rear extension and a rear external staircase to provide access to the first floor and internal alterations to enlarge the prayer hall. Change of use of the existing residential dwelling (Class C3) at No.”

“It is proposed to change the use of the existing residential dwellinghouse (Class C3) at No. 46 and incorporate it into the Class F1 mosque use. It is also proposed to erect a rear outbuilding for use as a mortuary, demolish the existing rear extensions and outbuilding and erect a single storey rear extension, a first-floor rear extension and a rear external staircase (fire exit) along with internal alterations to enlarge the prayer hall, and to provide a kitchen space…”

“The site comprises a row of three terraced buildings that were originally separate residential dwellinghouses (no’s 48-52) until they were converted into the current mosque (Class F1) use. No. 46 forms part of the same block of four terrace dwellings and is attached to the mosque and its current lawful use is a Class C3 dwellinghouse residence in the ownership of the mosque. The terrace block is detached from neighbouring residential properties either side.”

“The site is bordered by a wildlife corridor and Network Rail train track to the rear, is situated in a red risk zone for Great Crested Newts and lies within flood zone 1.”

“07/02164/FUL Single storey and first floor rear extensions, loft conversion to create rooms in the roof, erection of a rear canopy and installation of external staircase. Approved April 2008”

“10/00036/FUL Erection of 3 domes above first floor front elevation bay windows and insertion of rear dormer windows (additions to approved planning permission 07/02164/FUL for erection of single storey and first floor rear extensions, loft conversion to create rooms, erection of a rear canopy and installation of external staircase). Refused March 2010”

“PLN/2026/1012 to conclude that both internal and external activities could be disruptive to the occupants of no. 46 were it to be used as a traditional residential dwelling. It is considered that there is otherwise a lack of private amenity space as would be expected for a private dwellinghouse. The dwelling therefore experiences substandard environmental conditions which cannot be mitigated to create a healthy living environment for future occupants of the dwelling.”

“In relation to A.3 of policy HN9, there are environmental and social benefits identified for converting the residential dwelling which demonstrably outweigh the loss of one dwelling to the housing stock, in compliance with the policy.”

“No objection provided the travel plan condition is attached to any decision and the outbuilding is altered to be more than 3m from the boundary as per Network Rail’s request.”

“No objection. The transport statement suggests the proposal will result in an increased floor area from 425sqm to 545sqm and the capacity of the prayer hall would increase from 187 people to 281, an increase of 94 people (50% increase). There is no survey evidence for the stated number of people arriving by car and so, no resulting estimate of parking demand, instead relying on local parking restrictions and the nearby car park.”

“Traffic and parking have got steadily worse since the 1970s, with a lack of effective controls of the speed limit and parking in the area, and a suggestion that this would be compounded by the proposal.”

“PLN/2026/1012 - 46-52 Duncombe Street, Bletchley The Senior Planning Services Officer advised that the application conflicted with policies relating to the loss of a dwelling and parking provision. However, officers considered those conflicts outweighed by the benefits of increased capacity, enhanced accessibility and improved facilities. Approval was recommended.”

“The Committee also sought clarification regarding environmental controls associated with mortuary operations. Officers advised that further technical details would be secured through planning conditions and Environmental Health consultation. The Chair, seconded by Councillor Exon proposed the recommendation for debate that: Permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the main report.”