Two one-bedroom flats at 7 Louisberg Road, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough

What was proposed

The application sought to convert an existing three-bedroom, two-storey dwelling into two single-bedroom flats.

“PROPOSAL: Planning application to convert existing three-bedroom two- storey private dwellinghouse, into 2no. single bedroom flats.”

“This application seeks planning permission for a change of use to convert an existing three-bedroom two-storey dwellinghouse into 2no. single bedroom flats.”

Officer report

The site

The property is in an established residential area within a row of terraced homes, with no proposed off-street parking.

“The application site, 7 Louisberg Road, is a three-bedroom two-storey dwellinghouse. The site is located within an established residential area and the property forms part of a row of terraced properties that are located on the south side of the street.”

“Properties in this area predominantly do not contain off-street parking. Likewise, this application does not propose any off-street parking.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the parking shortfall was existing and the conversion was not expected to create significant additional demand or harm.

“At present, the site is a 3- bed dwelling with no off-street parking, and it does not conform to the parking standards above, which requires 2 parking spaces on site.”

“It is considered that whilst the development would not meet the parking standards, that is already the case with the current situation. The development would not be expected to result in a significant intensification of users or demand for parking spaces. Taking this into account it is not considered reasonable to withhold permission on this ground alone and on balance the lack of dedicated parking is justified in this instance.”

Officer report

Living conditions

The flats were considered to meet space standards and provide acceptable living conditions, with no external alterations proposed.

“With regard to visual design, the proposal has been amended in response to initial concerns raised with the proposed external staircase to the rear. The external rear staircase has now been removed from the development. Visually, there would be no external changes and so it considered that there are no adverse impacts in this regard, in accordance with local policy S53 of the CLLP and Policy 2 of the NP.”

“The proposed flatted development would adhere to the National Described Space Standards (39sqm) as set out below:”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no public speakers, and the Chairman commented on the application before moving the officer recommendation.

Members’ discussion

Members sought clarification about parking standards, including the spaces normally required for the existing dwelling and proposed flats.

“During discussion, a Member of the Committee sought clarification regarding the parking standards applicable to the development. The Officer explained that the existing 3-bedroom dwelling would typically require 3 parking spaces, whilst the proposed flats would require 1 space per unit plus a visitor allowance to comply with policy.”

Minutes

The vote

The officer recommendation was seconded and voted upon, with permission agreed subject to conditions.

“The proposal to accept the Officer’s recommendations was duly seconded and voted upon. It was therefore agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted because the proposal was considered acceptable despite departing from the parking policy.

“The proposed development has been assessed against local policies S1: The Spatial Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy, S4: Housing Development in or Adjacent to Villages, S13: Reducing Energy Consumption in Existing Buildings, S49: Parking Provision, S53: Design and Amenity and S61: Biodiversity Opportunity and Delivering Measurable Net Gains of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan 2023.”

“The proposal does represent a departure from the provisions of Policy S49 (parking provision),, however the impact of conversion is not considered likely to result in a significant intensification of use or demand for parking spaces, taking account of the existing residential use of the site. It is an otherwise sustainable location and the proposed development is considered to be acceptable, and it is recommended for approval with conditions.”

Officer report

Conditions attached

Permission required commencement within three years and construction in accordance with the approved plans.

“Conditions stating the time by which the development must be commenced: 1. The development hereby permitted must be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.”

“Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans and to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework, Policy S53 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan 2023 and Policies 1 and 2 of the Hemswell Cliff Neighbourhood Plan 2023.”

Minutes