Four-bed HMO at 10 Chapel Street, Aberbargoed, Bargod

What was proposed

The application sought to change a three-bedroom dwelling into a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation, with no external alterations and five cycle-storage spaces.

“Site description: The application site comprises a two-storey, mid-terrace property located at 10 Chapel Street, Aberbargoed. The property is currently in use as a three- bedroom dwellinghouse (Class C3) and forms part of a traditional terrace fronting onto Chapel Street, which is a narrow residential street with a pedestrian footway and on- street parking provision on one side of the street.”

“Ancillary development, e.g. parking: 5 cycle storage spaces will be provided within the rear of the site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The two-storey mid-terrace property is in a mainly residential area, with a church, primary school, shops, services and public transport nearby.

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character, with similar terraced properties forming the immediate street scene. To the north, approximately 70 metres from the site, is Caersalem Baptist Church, a prominent local landmark. To the south, around 140 metres away, lies Aberbargoed Primary School, which serves the local community.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the HMO acceptable in principle, suitable for housing needs, and unlikely to harm the area, neighbours or highway safety subject to cycle storage.

“Policies: The application has been considered in accordance with national planning policy and guidance, local plan policy and supplementary planning guidance. The main considerations in the determination of this application are the compatibility of the proposed use within a residential area, the impact on neighbour amenity and highway safety implications.”

“In respect of housing delivery, the national planning guidance document Planning Policy Wales (PPW) acknowledges that there must be "sufficient sites suitable for the full range of housing types to address the identified needs of communities" (paragraph 4.2.13). Caerphilly County Borough currently has a severe shortage of this type of property and heavily relies on bed and breakfast accommodation to meet the shortfall.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council and ecologist made no comments, while transportation officers and environmental health raised no objections; cycle storage was required by condition.

“Bargoed Town Council - No comments received.”

“Transportation Engineering Manager CCBC - No objection subject to one condition surrounding the cycle storage.”

Officer report

Objections from residents

Twenty-six objection letters raised concerns about parking, neighbour impacts, overcrowding, noise, antisocial behaviour, waste, safeguarding and loss of a family home.

“Response: 26 letters of objection were received at the time of drafting the report.”

“The proposal will impact an already difficult area for parking. Multiple persons living at this property will impact neighbours. Surrounding properties would be devalued. The property is not big enough for 4 people to be living there. The dwelling would be overcrowded. Noise and disruption would increase. The proposal will increase antisocial behaviour. The character of the area will change. There is a school nearby. 10.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the application and the agent spoke in support.

The committee vote

Members moved and seconded approval subject to the reported conditions, and the motion passed with 11 votes for, 3 against and no abstentions.

“Following consideration of the application it was moved and seconded that, subject to the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the recommendation be approved. By way of…”

“Microsoft Forms (and in noting there were 11 For, 3 Against and 0 Abstentions) this was agreed by the majority present.”

Minutes

The final decision

Permission was granted subject to the conditions in the officer report, including providing and maintaining cycle storage before occupation.

“(i) Subject to the conditions contained in the Officer’s report, the application be GRANTED.”

Minutes