Three one-bedroom flats at 5 Oxford Street, Market Rasen

What is proposed

The application would convert part of the first floor into two additional flats, with external stairs and alterations to the first and ground floors.

“PROPOSAL: Planning application for change of use of part of first floor from commercial (Use Class E) to residential (Use Class C3a) to form 2no. additional flats, with new external stairs and external alterations to first and ground floor.”

“The application seeks permission to change the use of part of the first floor from commercial (Use Class E) to residential (Use Class C3a) to form 2no. additional flats, with a new external staircase proposed within the rear yard and other external alterations to the first and ground floors. This will result in a total of 3no. 1-bedroom flats at first floor, all accessed via shared stairs, from the rear of the building.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The two-storey building is in Market Rasen town centre, with a dental surgery below, residential and commercial properties around it, and a rear courtyard.

“The site comprises a two storey building on the corner of Willingham Road and Oxford Street, with a commercial unit on the ground floor and part commercial and residential uses (No.1 Flat) on the first floor. There are ground floor doors off the aforementioned roads to access the commercial unit as well as rear access via a yard which is accessed between No.15A Oxford Street and No.1 ‘The Old Brewery’ Oxford Street.”

“There are residential properties to the north on the other side of Willingham Road and a mix of commercial and residential properties to the west on the other side of Oxford Street. To the east are residential properties and to the south there are a mix of residential and commercial properties. Within the rear courtyard to the south which is accessed off Oxford Street are mainly residential properties with additional entrances to commercial properties.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for converting vacant retail premises and an existing flat into six dwellings was granted in 2018.

“137100 - Planning application for change of use of vacant retail premises and existing flat, with partial demolition including alterations and extension to form 6no. dwellings. Granted 09/02/2018.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the town-centre homes would support vitality, while causing no harmful effects to neighbours, the street scene or highway network.

“Conclusion and reasons for decision: The decision has been considered against Policy S1: The Spatial Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy, S2: Growth Levels and Distribution, S3: Housing in the Lincoln Urban Area, Main Towns and Market Towns, S6: Design Principles for Efficient Buildings, S13: Reducing Energy Consumption in Existing Buildings, S20: Resilient and Adaptable Design, S21: Flood Risk and Water Resources, S23: Meeting Accommodation Needs, S35: Network and Hierarchy…”

“The proposal is supported in principle as it would complement the existing uses within the designated town centre of Market Rasen ensuring the continued vitality of the town centre. The proposal will also not have a harmful impact on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers/dwellings or be harmful to the visual amenity of the street scene, nor would it have a detrimental impact on the highway network.”

Officer report

Parking and living conditions

The proposal would have one fewer resident parking space than the stated standard, but officers considered the town-centre location and transport links justified accepting the shortfall.

“Appendix 2 of the CLLP which is referred to in Policy S49 states that 1 bed dwellings in market towns should provide 1 parking space per dwelling, plus visitor spaces. The proposal will retain two existing car parking spaces located to the rear of the building. There would therefore be a shortfall of 1 on-site parking space for residents (plus no visitor space provision).”

“With consideration to the town centre location with close walking proximity to numerous facilities/services and siting close to public transport links, including a train station and bus routes, it is considered that the undersupply of 1 car parking space could be accepted in this case.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

No representations were received from ward members, the town council, residents or archaeology, while highways raised no objection.

“Chairman/Ward member(s): No representations received to date.”

“Town Council: No representations received to date.”

Officer report

The registered speaker

The agent said the building had been vacant and in poor repair, and that converting its upper floor would improve the building and provide sustainable town-centre housing.

Members’ discussion

Members supported improving the building and providing single-bedroom homes, considering the parking shortage unfortunate but not an insurmountable problem.

“The Chairman thanked [name withheld] for her comments and invited comments from the committee. Members were in full agreement as to the amelioration of the building in the town centre and recognised the need for single bedroom residences. It was acknowledged that the lack of parking was unfortunate, however not unexpected in such a location, and overall not an insurmountable problem for those who would reside in the flats.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee unanimously agreed to grant permission, subject to conditions.

“With Members reiterating their support for the proposal, and on being proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was unanimously agreed that permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes

The permission conditions

Permission requires commencement within three years and construction in accordance with the approved drawings and documents.

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.”

“With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings and documents: 762.04D dated 23/09/2025, 762.13A dated 23/09/2025, 762.14A dated 23/09/2025, 762.11A dated 23/09/2025 and 762.01B (Red Line) dated 23/09/2025.The works shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and in any other approved documents forming…”

Minutes