Nine-person HMO at 69 Wellingborough Road, Rushden

What was proposed

The application sought to convert a dwelling into a nine-person HMO, with alterations, bin storage, parking and cycle storage.

“This application seeks planning permission for the change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a large House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) (sui generis) for up to nine occupants. This change of use would include internal and external alterations, provision of bin storage, car parking and bicycle storage area.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A previous proposal for an HMO for twelve people was refused, while the building’s use as a dwelling was permitted in 2002.

“NE/24/00762/FUL Change of use from C3 (dwelling house) to a Sui Generis HMO for up to 12 people, construction of dormer windows to side elevation -B, alterations to fenestration throughout the building, provision of bin storage, car parking and bicycle parking area Refused – 18.10.2024.”

“02/00007/FUL Change of use to single dwellinghouse Permitted – 13.02.2002.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in principle and complied with relevant policies after assessment of its impacts.

“Officers consider that the proposed development accords with the relevant national and local policies and guidance and should be approved, subject to conditions.”

“It is recommended that the application is APPROVED, subject to the conditions set out in Section 11 of this report (including any amendments to those conditions deemed necessary).”

Officer report

Who spoke

Representatives of the town council and a councillor spoke against the proposal, followed by the applicant’s representative in support.

The votes

Members rejected a proposed site visit and amendments removing conditions, then approved an amendment concerning the dropped kerb.

“The legal adviser, Nazneen Roy, explained that amendments had been proposed and she explained that these needed to be seconded and voted on, asking members which order they wished the amendments to be voted on.”

“The third amendment, as proposed by Councillor McLean and seconded by Councillor Carvetta, that delegated authority be given to officers to re-introduce and alter condition 4, to reduce the width of the dropped kerb to allow it to continue to operate as a pedestrian crossing point was put to the vote.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application with the report’s conditions and update-report informative, while authorising an altered dropped-kerb condition.

“(i) that the application be approved, subject to the conditions set out in Section 11 of the report, along with the informative contained in the committee update report. (ii) that delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Place and Economy to re-introduce and alter condition 4, to reduce the width of the dropped kerb to allow it to continue to operate as a pedestrian crossing point.”

“(i) that the application be approved, subject to the conditions set out in Section 11 of the report and the informative contained in the committee update report and; (ii) to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy to reintroduce and alter condition 4, to reduce the width of the dropped kerb to allow it to continue to operate as a pedestrian crossing point.”

Minutes