Four-bedroom HMO at 31 Balfour Street, Runcorn

What was proposed

The application sought to change a two-bedroom dwelling into a four-bedroom HMO with ensuites, shared kitchen and dining space.

“As a result planning permission is now required for such changes of use that would previously have been permitted development. A full planning application has been submitted proposing a change of use from a single-family dwelling (Use Class C3) to a 4-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4) with ensuites to each of the rooms and a shared kitchen and dining room.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The property is a mid-terrace home in a primarily residential area near the train station and town centre, with no previous applications recorded.

“APPLICATION SITE 1.1 The Site The site subject to this application is 31 Balfour Street in Runcorn. It is a mid- terrace property located in a Primarily Residential Area, as designated in the Halton Delivery and Allocations Local Plan. The site is surrounded by other residential streets of terrace properties, with Runcorn Train Station to the North of the site and Runcorn Town Centre also North of the site.”

Officer report

Highways and other consultees

Highways initially raised a holding objection about parking, while Environmental Health had no comments and Cheshire Police raised no objection.

“Other Considerations The application has been considered having regard to Article 1 of the First Protocol of the Human Rights Act 1998, which sets out a person’s rights to the peaceful enjoyment of property and Article 8 of the Convention of the same Act which sets out his/her rights in respect for private and family life and for the home.”

“No Comments Received Cheshire Police No Objection, recommendations made for different aspects of the property. REPRESENTATIONS This application has been publicised by 8 neighbour notification letters sent on 18/12/25. A site notice was also posted at the site on this date. From this publicity, a total of 13 objections have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and a local ward member addressed the committee against the proposal.

What members discussed

Members discussed parking, space standards, waste and bicycle storage, sustainability, turnover, noise, appeal prospects and the property’s size.

“Multiple surveys were carried out at different times of the day by highways and planning officers, and it was deemed that there would be a minimal impact on parking and it was not a strong enough objection to justify the refusal of the application; • Halton Borough Council had not adopted the national space standards and used the Council’s adopted standards as a guide which the application met; • Balfour Street was one of the busiest through roads in Runcorn and there was…”

“The property’s location was deemed sustainable; • There were parking restrictions on both sides of Balfour street; • The Committee’s decision could be reversed on appeal of evidence not provided to substantiate reasons for refusal; • Officers made their recommendation based on the sustainability of the area; • Discussions had in the meeting would be material considerations for an appeal; • It would be difficult to implement a condition regarding a bike rack and waste…”

Minutes

The committee vote

After considering the application and officers’ updates, the committee moved, seconded and voted to approve it.

“After consideration of the application and updates provided by officers, the proposal was Moved and Seconded and the Committee voted to approve the application.”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was approved subject to conditions covering the permission period, approved plans and construction hours.

“RESOLVED: That the application be approved, subject to the following: Time Limit – Full Permission 2. Approved Plans 3. Hours of Construction be restricted…”

Minutes