Nine-bedroom HMO at 1 St Margarets Drive, Chesterfield

What was proposed

The application proposed converting the building into a nine-bedroom HMO, with external alterations, two kitchens, communal space and two parking spaces.

“The application proposes the conversion of the building to a residential house of multiple occupation (HMO) with nine bedrooms. The Local Planning Authority raised concerns regarding the original submission (for 10 bedrooms) and the scheme was revised twice.”

“Proposed Ground Floor Plan Proposed First Floor Plan Proposed Attic Plan Proposed Roof Plan Proposed South East Elevation Proposed North East Elevation…”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey detached brick building previously used as consultation offices, within walking distance of the town centre and with existing parking.

“The site subject of this application is a two storey detached brick built building previously used as offices for a consultation practice. The site is located on the east side of St Margarets Drive and is within walking distance of the town centre. The site is currently served by off-street parking to the south of the building and has previously been extended to the south and east.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

An earlier application for extensions to the consultation practice received conditional permission in 1991.

“CHE/0491/0285 – Extensions to existing consultation practice – CONDITIONAL PERMISSION (25.07.1991)”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the proposal acceptable overall and recommended permission subject to conditions covering the building, parking, amenity, ecology and water efficiency.

“CONCLUSION 9.1 Overall the proposal is considered to be acceptable in accordance with the above mentioned policies of the Local Plan. RECOMMENDATION”

“It is therefore recommended that the application be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Strategic planning supported the location in principle, highways accepted two parking spaces, and housing officers raised concerns about communal facilities and one bedroom’s access.

“The application site is located in close proximity to the town centre within recommended walking distances, including bus stops. St Margaret’s Drive is covered by extensive waiting restrictions and a residents’ permit parking scheme which controls on street parking demand. The submitted plans indicate two on site parking spaces.”

“Strategic Planning The site is well located in terms of access to a range of key facilities. The principle of residential development in this location would accord with the broad requirements of policies CLP1 and CLP2. Key policies include CLP14, CLP20 and CLP22.”

Officer report

Resident concerns

One representation raised concerns about parking pressure, the lack of further parking, antisocial behaviour and the proposed occupants.

“- Parking is very difficult for residents on this road, not only for the residents on St Margarets Drive, but people who live on Saltergate who also have permits to park on here. We struggle for parking spaces. - The proposed 10 bedroom HMO, has only two parking spaces and no further are proposed on the application. This will make a very difficult situation untenable. There is no further on street parking available.”

“Officer comments – See section 6.4 of report for Highway and Parking matters. The Local Highway Authority did not raise an objection in the principle to the proposal due to the central location of the site and access to facilities in the town centre. The use itself is not considered to necessarily result in inappropriate or anti-social resident behaviour. The Local Planning Authority have no control over the occupants of the property.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Management and Conservation Manager presented the application, and the applicant addressed the committee.

The committee vote

Councillor Stone moved, and Councillor Yates seconded, a motion to uphold the officer recommendation.

“The committee considered the report. It was moved by Councillor Stone and seconded by Councillor Yates that the officer recommendation be upheld.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee upheld the officer recommendation and granted permission subject to the conditions in the officer report.

“That the officer recommendation be upheld, and the application be GRANTED subject to the conditions outlined in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The conditions covered commencement, approved plans, bin storage, privacy, landscaping, the dormer, cycle parking, vehicle parking, ecological enhancements and water efficiency.

“Approved plans list 2. The development hereby approved shall only be carried out in full accordance with the approved plans (listed below) with the exception of any approved non-material amendment. All external dimensions and elevational treatments shall be as shown on the approved plan/s (listed below).”

“Secure cycle parking 8. Prior to the development hereby permitted being occupied/brought into use details of the secure and covered cycle parking stands shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for written approval. The approved cycle parking shall be installed prior to the first occupation of the development and thereafter shall be retained for the life of the development.”

Officer report