5-bed HMO at The Old Library, Town Lane, Bradford

“Type of Application/Proposal and Address: Change of use of building from Nursery (Use Class E) to 5 bed HMO at The Old Library, Town Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD10 8PR”

“Site Description: The application site comprises a building built as a library and town offices, built around 1900 traditionally in coursed stone with a slate roof. Its last use was as a children’s nursey. This is a prominent site located on Town Lane opposite Holy Trinity Church. The local topography means that the building is elevated above a level of the adjacent highway. The building is semidetached, the other part comprising 29 Town Lane.”

“There is limited outside amenity space associated with the building. The adjacent building and car park are within the blue line of the location plan denoting land in the same ownership.”

“Relevant Site History: None relevant for this building.”

“25/02574/FUL - Change of use of building from residential dwelling (Use Class C3) to 8 bed HMO (Use Class Sui Generis). Granted 12.12.2025”

“Summary of Representations Received: The building is not suitable for an HMO. Site is close to two primary schools. The site is in the Idle and The Green Conservation Area. Would lead to an over-concentration of HMOs in the area. Limited parking in the area. On street parking is already a problem. Noise and disruption would be caused by the HMO.”

“Planning Balance and Reason for Grant of Planning Permission: The reuse of the vacant former children's nursery as an HMO is appropriate. No significant works are required to change the use of the building, appropriate parking and bin storage facilities are provided. The local planning authority do not have control over the licencing requirements of the HMO which is administered separately.”

“Consultations: Housing standards: • The proposed HMO is likely to be occupied by a non-cohesive group of persons and therefore the kitchen/dining and fire related standards are required to meet a Category A bedsit of Bradford’s HMO standards and requirements. • Kitchen provision and layout should be conducive to safety particularly for simultaneous use by persons. • An HMO occupied by 5 or more persons will need to be licenced.”

“Highways: A 5 bed HMO would require 3 parking spaces.”

“The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans.”

“Prior to the first use of the HMO hereby approved, details of the size, design and appearance of the bin store shown on plan 015.02.(-)001 A for the written approval of the local planning authority. Once approved the development shall be carried out in accordance with such detail and maintained thereafter.”

“That consideration of the application be deferred to a future meeting of the Bradford District Appeals Panel.”