Seven-bedroom HMO at 5 St Paul Street, Tiverton

What was proposed

The application sought to change a six-bedroom HMO into a seven-bedroom HMO with associated works and temporary accommodation for homeless people.

“24/01571/FULL - Change of use of 6 bed house in multiple occupancy (Class C4) to 7 bed house in multiple occupancy (Sui Generis) and associated works at 5 St Paul Street, Tiverton, Devon.”

“The property was a Grade 2 listed building and currently had permission for a multiple occupation house up to 6 bedrooms. • The application was to change the use of the property to a 7 bedroomed house with multiple occupation to provide temporary accommodation for homeless people. • The application was to consider the proposed external works and the change of use to the listed building.”

Minutes

The site and building

The property was a Grade 2 listed building with permission for a six-bedroom HMO, retaining its original room layout despite being dilapidated.

“The application had since been amended to include bathrooms on the ground floor only with bathroom pods being inserted on the first floor. • The building was currently in a dilapidated state however it retained its original plan form in terms of the openness of the rooms and the layout of the property.”

Minutes

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because temporary accommodation benefits were considered to outweigh less than substantial harm to the listed building.

“In considering the required planning balance, it is the view of officers that there are some public benefits notwithstanding the limited ability to control the accommodation, with the ability to provide temporary homeless housing. It is also noted that whilst the level of harm caused to the significance of the listed building is of concern, the overall impact on the whole of the building has been reduced, thereby reducing the level of harm identified.”

“The proposed works to accommodate the change of use of the property from a 6 bedroom house in multiple occupancy (Use Class C4) to a 7 bedroom house in multiple occupancy, proposal would result in the loss of historic fabric and harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset, as well as the loss of interior detailing, character and the architectural interest of the listed building, in addition to preventing it continuing in its optimum viable use, further harming…”

Officer report

The main heritage concern

The main concern was that bathrooms, pipes and vents would damage historic fabric and alter the building’s significant original plan form.

“In considering the proposals generally, Council’s Conservation Officer originally commented, raising a range of concerns in regard to the proposal, and ultimately recommending refusal. The bulk of these comments, as detailed in the ‘Consultations’ section of this report, revolve around the works proposed to accommodate the additional bedrooms, and in particular the formation of ensuite bathrooms within each of these bedrooms, and the damage that would be done to the…”

“In addition to the impact on historic fabric, there was to be a significant loss to the character and significance of the heritage asset by loss of the buildings original plan form. The property is in a dilapidated state and in need of repair and refurbishment, with the submitted heritage assessment identifying that the property has been extensively updated in the late 20 th Century, with only a few of its original internal fixtures and fittings remain, which diminishes…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Conservation Officer recommended refusal, while Tiverton Town Council considered the proposal overdevelopment and out of keeping with the street.

“The proposal, in the view of the planning committee, is over development and out of keeping with the street.”

“Discussed at Planning Committee meeting 14th July. The Committee reflected that there are evident misgivings from the Conservation Officer as to the application change from 6 bed to 8 bed occupancy.”

Officer report

What members discussed

Members discussed bedroom numbers, bathroom standards, and the mental health and safety support available to tenants.

“The amount of bedrooms that the accommodation could offer. • Whether the toilets and showers met the development standards. It was confirmed that they did comply with the national space standards. • The support offered to tenants with regard to their mental health and safety.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The applicant was represented by a council officer, and the ward member also addressed the committee.

The committee vote

The committee resolved to grant permission subject to conditions, with two councillors voting against the application.

“Planning Committee – 30 July 2025 5 It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

Minutes