Seven-bedroom HMO at 73A And 73B Durham Road, Gateshead

The site

The site comprises two flats in a terraced row on Durham Road, with one flat on the ground floor and the other above.

“DESCRIPTION OF SITE 1.2 The application site is a pair of flats, converted from a single house following the granting of planning permission in 1985, namely 73a and 73b Durham Road.”

“The property fronts onto Durham Road and is bounded by Whitby Close to the east (rear). The application site is located on terraced row of several properties, no71 Durham Road is adjacent to the north and no75 Durham Road to the south.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The flats were created from a single house under planning permission granted in 1985, including a dormer, external staircase and rear extension.

“PLANNING HISTORY 1.11 757/85 - Conversion of dwellinghouse into two flats including new dormer, external staircase and single- storey extension to provide dining room at rear - GRANTED 09.09.1985.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal acceptable overall because it provided sufficient living space and would not harm the area’s character, residential amenity or highway safety.

“The main issues to be considered in determining this application are the principal of the development, visual and residential amenity and highway safety.”

“Taking all relevant issues into account, it is therefore recommended that planning permission is granted, as the change of use and associated external works are acceptable and subject to conditions would not cause harm to the character of the area, amenity, or highway safety.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire Service and Private Sector Housing raised no objection, with police requesting a management plan.

“Northumbria Police No objection raised, subject to a management plan.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Twenty objections raised concerns about HMOs, parking, traffic, noise, privacy, antisocial behaviour, safety and the loss of family housing.

“Neighbour notifications were carried out in accordance with formal procedures introduced in the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015.”

“- Increased presence of HMOs - Inadequate car parking - Hinder emergency services accessing properties - Traffic Congestion - Detrimental impact upon the character of the area - Should be used for family homes - Noise - Concerns over child safety - Anti-social behaviour - Conflicts with housing needs - Backwards step following upturn in families moving into the area - Loss of privacy - Removal of family homes - Risk to local families…”

Officer report

Who spoke

No speakers addressed the committee, although an additional objection was read to members just before the meeting started.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to conditions covering commencement, approved plans, operational management and secure cycle parking.

“That permission be GRANTED subject to the following condition(s) and that the Service Director of Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport be authorised to add, vary and amend the planning conditions as necessary…”

“Notwithstanding the details hereby approved and prior to the first occupation of the development, details of secure and weatherproof cycle parking, capable of storing at least four cycles should be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes