Four one-bedroom flats at Alexandra Terrace, Lincoln

What was proposed

Two existing three-bedroom HMOs would become four self-contained one-bedroom flats, with two dormer windows added to the rear.

“The proposal involves conversion of two existing 3-bedroom HMOs into four 1-bedroom self- contained flats. Two dormer windows would also be installed on the rear elevation of the building.”

Officer report

The site

The building is a modern three-storey brick block within the Cathedral and City Centre Conservation Area.

“The wider street is characterised mainly by terraced properties although the building itself is modern, three storey and constructed in brick with a tiled pitched roof.”

“The site lies within the Cathedral and City Centre Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The building was granted as 12 flats, while the two application properties later received certificates for continued HMO use.

“2019/0932/CLE - Continued use of property as a House in Multiple Occupation (Class C4) (Application for Certificate of Lawfulness). - 12 Erinalice Court - Granted…”

“2019/0935/CLE - Continued use of property as a House in Multiple Occupation (Class C4) (Application of Lawfulness). - 8 Erinalice Court - Granted…”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers found the proposal acceptable in principle, with suitable living conditions, no harmful effect on neighbours and appropriate parking and energy measures.

“Officers are satisfied that the level of amenity for future occupants would be acceptable and the proposal would not be harmful to existing residents, in accordance with CLLP Policy S25.”

“The conversion of the property is acceptable in principle in this location. The use would not cause harm to the amenities of neighbours and the wider area, and the level of amenity for future occupants would be acceptable. Matters in relation to external communal space, bin storage and collection, parking, cycle storage, and energy efficiency have been appropriately considered.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Objections concerned parking, highway safety, cumulative development, construction traffic, noise and the proposed use.

“Objections have been received against the proposal. The main issues raised include:”

“Parking capacity and highway safety • Cumulative Impact from development • Construction traffic • Noise • Concerns regarding use…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector told the committee that the proposal risked harming family housing, residential amenity, parking and the character of the area.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the scheme, noting the internal changes, lawful existing use, reduced bed spaces and suitability of the proposed flats.

“Comment: The development was not increasing in size externally, only the internal configuration was affected. • Comment: There was no legitimate reason to refuse a change from C4 to C3 use as this was the purpose of the build in the first place. • Comment: Any issues with anti-social behaviour should be reported through the correct channels. • Comment: There may not be any open space, however the building was close to the West Common.”

“The two HIMO’s having applied to be converted into flats were in lawful use. • Car parking – No additional parking was proposed within the planning application, although there would be a potential reduction in the occupancy of the flats with replacement of two flats for 6 people into four one-bedroomed flats. • The rooms to Flat 13B would be fitted with dormer windows in addition to windows to offer additional light.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions requiring the development to start within three years and follow the approved drawings.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:”

“Development to be started within 3 years. • Development to be in accordance with the drawings.”

Minutes