Eight-bedroom house in multiple occupation at 119-121 Sheffield Street, Scunthorpe

Earlier planning history

Permission was granted in 1983 to retain the guest house use, following an earlier approval for a shop conversion into a dwelling.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 6/1983/0251: Retain use of premises as a guest house – approved with conditions 18/11/1983. 6/1976/0342: Change use of existing shop premises into dwellinghouse and construct entrance porch – approved with conditions 13/01/1977.”

“Policy CS3 ensures that the countryside is protected from inappropriate development and that no uncontrolled expansion of settlements will take place. Since the site is within the development boundary of Scunthorpe, the proposal is not restricted.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the change acceptable because it would retain the eight-bedroom capacity, involve no external changes and create no significant additional amenity, highway or drainage issues.

“Amenity impact Policy DS1 requires all development, in both built-up areas and the countryside, to be considered against amenity impact. The policy requires that no unacceptable loss of amenity to neighbouring land uses should result in terms of noise, smell, fumes, dust, or other nuisance, or through the effects of overlooking or overshadowing. No external alterations are proposed to the building.”

“The matter of increased traffic and parking issues has been addressed in this report under the Highways section. Conclusion The principle of the development is acceptable as the property is within the development boundary. There would be no changes to the exterior of the building and therefore no issues arising from layout, siting or design. There would be no issues of overbearing impact, overlooking or loss of privacy.”

Officer report

What speakers said

The applicant’s agent said changes would be minimal, licensing would improve management and occupancy, and statutory objections were absent.

The committee debate

Members disagreed about parking, bathrooms, living conditions, local HMO need, management and whether residents or guests would generate more car use.

“Cllr Ross stated that there appeared to be valid concerns raised by residents, particularly around parking, residential amenity for neighbours, and the small number of bathrooms. Cllr Ross stated that the application appeared not to comply with council policies, the Local Plan, and the Core Strategy.”

“Cllr Matthews stated that there were some concerns remaining about the proposal, and Cllr Grant stated that the argument around a reduction in cars was flawed, as the capacity of guest houses was not usually 100%, and that visitors to guest houses would likely to be using their cars, whereas residents would park there more often and capacity would be maximised.”

Minutes