Five-person HMO at 21 Humphreys Terrace, Caerau, Maesteg

“DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Planning permission is sought for the change of use of this existing sole residence residential 4-bedroom dwelling (Use Class C3) to Use Class C4 (House in Multiple Occupation), as a five-bedroom unit with 1 bathroom and a separate W/C and communal shared facilities at 21 Humphreys Terrace, Caerau, Maesteg.”

“The submitted plans show that the existing building will be altered internally on the ground floor only by introducing a partition wall to create an additional front bedroom. The ground floor would comprise of a bedroom, a shared kitchen/living area with a bathroom and separate w/c. The first floor would accommodate 4 bedrooms, each measuring between 6.5 sq. m. and 10.5 sq. m. No external alterations are proposed.”

“SITE DESCRIPTION The site relates to a terraced residential dwelling located within the Local Settlement of Caerau as defined by SF1 of the Bridgend Replacement Local Development Plan (2024) (RLDP).”

“The dwelling principally fronts Humphreys Street to the east, and has been previously extended on the ground floor level to the rear, with a generous tiered rear amenity space providing access to a substantial rear lane which includes parking provision for the Dyffryn Road flats to the west.”

“RELEVANT HISTORY No recent relevant planning history.”

“1) It would not lead to more than 10% of all residential properties within a 50m radius of the proposal being HMOs; 2) Conversion is possible without major extensions or alterations to the building which would significantly alter the character and appearance of the street scene and the broader locality; 3) The scale and intensity of use would be compatible with the existing building and adjoining and nearby uses; 4) the proposal incorporates on-site parking provision or…”

“4) Whilst no on-site parking is available for residents, the Applicant proposes covered and secure cycle parking within the rear amenity space. The property is located in a relatively sustainable location in close proximity to transport links, green spaces and less than 400m to the Caerau Local Centre. It is noted that the Highways Officer has also not raised any objection to the proposal.”

“Highway Authority: No objection raised commenting that there are local public transport facilities and amenities nearby and the existing lack of parking provision which would not be worsened by the proposed change of use. A condition relating to the proposed cycle storage is suggested.”

“Maesteg Town Council: Formal objection, raising concern with the number of HMO’s already operating in the area.”

“The approved cycle storage scheme as outlined on the plan titled ‘rear garden plan 1:100’ shall be implemented before the development is brought into beneficial use and retained for cycle parking purposes in perpetuity thereafter.”

“A scheme of waste and recycling management for the property shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall include a suitably located, screened and managed designated area for waste and recycling. The approved scheme shall be implemented prior to the beneficial use of the development hereby approved and the approved scheme shall thereafter be retained and maintained in perpetuity.”

“RESOLVED: That the above application be granted subject to the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, including changes on the amendment sheet.”