Four-bed HMO at 238 Spendmore Lane, Coppull, Chorley

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a four-bed HMO and add two parking spaces in the rear yard.

“The application seeks permission for the change of use of the property from a C3 residential dwelling to a 4 bed HMO, including the addition of two parking spaces to the rear of the property within the yard.”

Officer report

The site

The end-terraced property has a small rear yard, no existing in-curtilage parking, a school behind it and open space to the west.

“The application relates to an end terraced property on Spendmore Lane, within the settlement area of Coppull. The property has a small rear yard which can be accessed from a track to the rear of the property from park Road. The property currently has no in-curtilage parking.”

“Directly to the rear of the site is a school and to the west is a small area of open space. The prevailing character of the surrounding area is residential with some commercial units.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended conditional approval because the proposal was acceptable in principle and would not unacceptably harm character, highways or amenity.

“The proposed development is acceptable in principle and would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the character and appearance of the existing site or the surrounding area. The level of parking provision is considered to be acceptable in this instance and there are no concerns regarding highway safety, capacity or amenity as a result of the proposal.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection, Environmental Health had no objection in principle subject to suitable accommodation, and the parish council objected under Policy ST4.

“Lancashire Highway Services – have raised no objection to the proposal. • Regulatory Services - Environmental Health – have stated that they have no objection in principle to the proposal but that the applicant should ensure that the layout does not result in cramped or substandard living accommodation. • Coppull Parish Council – object to the proposal on the grounds that it fails to comply with Policy ST4. • CIL Officers – proposal is not CIL liable…”

Officer report

Objections from residents

Twelve objections raised concerns about children’s safety, parking, accommodation size, management, noise, antisocial behaviour and the area’s character.

“A HMO compromises safety of children on the area • There are inadequate services • Who will live here? • HMO should not be permitted near a school…”

“No one would feel safe with this being a male only residence • The house is not big enough for four people to live in • There would be an increase in the rat population • The proposal would not comply with parking standards and there would be an intensification for demand • How will the property be managed • The proposal would alter the character of the surrounding area and reduce cohesion • Need more family homes • There is potential for increased noise and antisocial…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The speakers were a ward councillor and the applicant.

The committee vote

The committee unanimously resolved to refuse planning permission after a proposal by one councillor and a seconder.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Alex Hilton, seconded by Councillor Chris Snow, and subsequently resolved unanimously that planning permission be refused for the following reason:”

Minutes

The decision and reasons

Permission was refused because limited parking and restricted nearby on-street space could harm highway safety, while outdoor amenity space was inadequate.

“Proposal offered limited off-street parking provision given the restricted available space for nearby on street parking combined with the intensification of the properties use will lead to an increase in on street parking to the determent of local highway safety.”

Minutes