Six-bedroom HMO at 1 Grove Gardens, Bridgend

“DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT The Applicant is seeking retrospective planning permission for the change of use of the residential property at No. Grove Gardens, into a 6-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).”

“The submitted plans show that the existing 4-bedroom house has been altered internally to accommodate the proposed change of use. The alterations involved the conversion of two downstairs rooms into bedrooms.”

“The existing two-storey property contains an enclosed curtilage containing a large single garage and private amenity area. The site is enclosed by an approximately 2m high wall along its lane boundary.”

“Pedestrian and vehicle access to the property is obtained via the public service lane which runs down the rear of residential properties which front onto Grove Road and St Marie Street. The lane also joins Ewenny Road at its eastern end beside the SPAR store.”

“PLANNING HISTORY P/95/275/FUL – Change of use to bed and breakfast bedsits. Refused 12/05/1995. Appeal dismissed 4/10/1995”

“P/99/267/FUL – Domestic garage. Granted 27/04/1999.”

“CONSULTATIONS Bridgend Town Council: Objection on the grounds of an over intensification of HMOs in the area, traffic and parking concerns, highway safety, negative impact on character of the area and adverse impacts on the community and surrounding services.”

“Highways Officer: No objection subject to the imposition of a condition requiring cycle parking.”

“Overlooking and loss of privacy • Density of HMOs and its impact on character of the area • Loss of family housing • Poor quality housing provided for transient people • Issues with antisocial behaviour by residents of a St Marie Street HMO • Parking issues for surrounding streets • Narrow width of service lane and access issues for waste collection and fire service vehicles • Proposal would add to fly tipping and litter in lane • Lack of on-site parking • Footpath access…”

“Additional residents would result in potential noise and disturbance • Increase in crime and disorder • Location of property does not encourage social interaction with neighbours • LPA requires accurate data on location of other HMOs in order to establish their density • Property located in an area of higher density housing, and this will likely result in a higher density of HMOs • Waste and recycling have been left on adjoining properties and on non-collection days • HMO…”

“APPRAISAL This Application is referred to the Development Control Committee to consider the concerns raised by the Bridgend Town Council and neighbouring occupiers, one who has stated that they wish to be heard.”

“Having regard to the above, the main issues to consider in this Application relate to the principle of development, visual effects, impacts on the amenities of neighbouring residents, highway and pedestrian safety, waste movement and biodiversity.”

“Within 3 months of the date of this consent, a scheme for the provision of secure cycle storage for 6no. bicycles shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme shall be implemented within one month of the date of the LPA’s written approval and the cycle parking shall be retained for such purposes in perpetuity.”

“Within 3 months of the date of this consent, 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 within one month of the date of the LPA’s written approval and the approved scheme shall be thereafter retained and maintained in perpetuity.”

“Decision Made RESOLVED: That the above application be granted, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the…”