Five-bedroom HMO at 323 Wellington Street, Grimsby

Planning history

No relevant planning history was identified for the property.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY No relevant history. RELEVANT PLANNING POLICIES AND BACKGROUND PAPERS National Planning Policy Framework (2025) North East Lincolnshire Local Plan 2013-2032 (adopted 2018) Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 states "if regard is to be had to the development plan for the purpose of any determination to be made under the planning Acts the determination must be made in accordance with the plan unless material considerations…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers found insufficient evidence that the property had been used as a dwellinghouse, so the proposed permitted development could not be confirmed lawful.

“The Council consider that the applicant hasn't provided sufficient evidence to prove that 323 Wellington Street has been used as a dwellinghouse. Advice has been sought from the Council's Legal Officer. The applicant/agent has been requested to provide evidence that the property has been used as a dwelling house. The permitted development rights are for a change of use so…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillors Aisthorpe and Beasant spoke as ward councillors, with Councillor Aisthorpe urging support for refusal.

What members debated

Members focused on the missing evidence, the applicant’s cooperation and concerns about the application’s completeness and accuracy.

“Councillor Mickleburgh said that this application was not about the rights and wrongs of houses of multiple occupancy but about whether the applicant had provided evidence to the meet the legal requirement and they hadn’t done so.”

“Councillor Emmerson referred to the agenda papers and the reference made to “best of his knowledge and belief” which he found concerning, as it should be confident knowledge and accurate. He said that it was an out of region developer with no knowledge of the area, no engagement with officers and they shouldn’t be allowed to rush the application through.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Bright proposed refusal, Councillor Kaczmarek seconded it, and members voted unanimously to refuse.

“Councillor Bright said that the applicant had to provide proof to prove history of the property and they hadn’t. He proposed that the application be refused.”

“Councillor Kaczmarek seconded the proposal to refuse the application.”

Minutes