Six-bed house in multiple occupation at 34 Caerau Road, Caerau, Maesteg

What was proposed

The application sought to convert a former community facility into a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation with internal and external works.

“PROPOSAL: Change of use from use class D1 to 6 bed House of Multiple Occupation (use class C4) and associated works…”

“DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Planning permission is sought for the change of use of this former community facility from Class D1 (Non-Residential Facilities) to Class C4 (House in Multiple Occupation), as a six- bedroom unit with en-suite bathrooms and communal shared facilities at 36 Caerau Road, Caerau.”

Officer report

The site

The detached building stands in a mainly residential terraced street, with an overgrown steep rear space beside a pedestrian footway.

“The community building was previously utilised as an Old Age Hall and occasionally used as a polling station. The site fronts Caerau Road to the south east, with an overgrown and steep amenity space to the rear which abuts a pedestrian footway. Directly to the east and west are end of terrace dwellings associated with Caerau Road, as well as terraced dwellings opposite.”

“The building is finished with traditional stonework and tiles, similar to the dwellings within the immediate vicinity. However, the building is unique within the wider street-scene given its modest height, fenestration, detached nature and previous use when compared to the terraced dwellings nearby.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

The site had been used as an Old Age Hall and sometimes as a polling station, with no recent or relevant planning history.

“RELEVANT HISTORY No recent or relevant history.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection subject to conditions limiting occupancy and providing cycle storage; other consultees raised no objection or provided an advisory comment.

“CONSULTATION RESPONSES Highways and Transportation - No objection subject to conditions relating to cycle storage and restricting the number of residents.”

“Shared Regulatory Services - No objection or conditions suggested.”

Officer report

Permission conditions

The permission limits occupation to six people and requires cycle, waste, amenity-space, landscaping, glazing and biodiversity measures.

“A scheme detailing the existing ground levels and the proposed finished floor level of the rear amenity space shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The approved scheme shall be implemented prior to the beneficial occupation of the HMO hereby approved and the approved scheme shall thereafter be retained and maintained in perpetuity.”

“Prior to the first beneficial occupation of the HMO hereby approved, a scheme of landscaping shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The agreed landscaping works shall be carried out prior to the occupation of any part of the development or in accordance with a programme agreed with the Local Planning Authority prior to any development commencing on site.”

Officer report

The decision

“That the above application be granted, subject to the conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:- Proposal: Change of use from use class D1 to 6 bed House of Multiple Occupation (use class C4) and associated works. Date Decision Made 21 August 2025 This document is available in Welsh / Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg 160.”

Minutes, 21 Aug 2025