Six-person HMO conversion at 72 Mary Street, Scunthorpe

What was proposed

The application sought permission to change offices into an HMO, updated at committee to provide accommodation for six people.

“PA/2025/799 PLANNING PERMISSION FOR CHANGE OF USE OF OFFICES TO A HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (HMO) FOR 6 PEOPLE. LOCATION: MARY STREET, SCUNTHORPE, DN15 6LA”

“The agent for the applicant stated that this was an updated application, proposing accommodation for six people rather than the original eight. The applicant stated that the proposal was a good use of a currently empty building, which would bring the property back into use, proving beneficial to the local area. The agent stated that all concerns raised had been addressed and mitigated.”

Minutes

The site and building

The two-storey property is in Scunthorpe’s settlement limits, surrounded by commercial and residential properties, and was currently unoccupied.

“6/1987/0337: Make alterations to side elevation of estate agents’ premises to provide additional floor space – approved with conditions 16/12/1987 6A/1975/1069: Consent to display an illuminated box sign – approved with conditions 11/11/1975 6/1975/0282: Erect an extension and make general improvements – approved with conditions 27/11/1975 6/1975/0038: Planning permission to change the use of first floor to offices – approved with…”

“The applicant has confirmed that the property is currently unoccupied with no immediate or future interest to use the rooms for office space. The existing plan shows two rooms at ground floor (a large open room and a reasonably sized room) and four rooms at first floor (office spaces). On the south elevation, facing Mary Street, are four large windows and a door at ground floor, and six windows at first floor.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health and Housing objected over the kitchen space for eight people, while environmental protection, drainage and highways raised no objections.

“T19 Car parking provision and standards H5 New housing development (part saved) H8 Housing design and housing mix North Lincolnshire Core Strategy: CS1 Spatial strategy for North Lincolnshire CS2 Delivering more sustainable development CS3 Development limits CS5 Delivery quality design in North Lincolnshire CS7 Overall housing provision CS8 Spatial distribution of housing sites CS19 Flood risk CS25 Promoting sustainable transport Housing…”

“Notwithstanding the above, the internal layout does not provide acceptable space standards, with shared and private facilities meeting relevant guidance. The Environmental Health and Housing officer has objected to the internal layout.”

Officer report

Public concerns

One public response objected because of concerns about the impact of HMO accommodation in the area.

“Public comments One public comment has been received, raising concerns about the impact of HMO accommodation in the area. The objector has not specified the impact; however, the planning department has considered matters such as potential noise nuisance and considers that, as the site is within the town centre where there is a mix of commercial activities and residential properties, any issue would be no worse than any existing nuisance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent said the updated proposal was for six people, would bring an empty building back into use and addressed concerns.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the resolution of parking concerns and recognised a role for HMOs in appropriate areas.

“Cllr Davison stated that he was encouraged to see that parking concerns had been dealt with, acknowledging that there was a role for HMOs in appropriate areas. Cllr Southern agreed.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to grant permission in accordance with the officer’s recommendation was proposed, seconded and carried.

“It was then moved by Cllr J Davison and seconded by Cllr M Grant –”

“That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the officer’s report.”

Minutes

Conditions and advice

The permission required commencement within three years, compliance with approved plans and secure cycle parking before occupation.

“Regarding living conditions for future occupants, the Environmental Health and Housing officer has objected to the internal layout, indicating that the arrangement is insufficient to satisfy the licensing requirements for an HMO for up to eight people under North Lincolnshire Council’s Amenity Standards Guide. However, this is a separate matter that will be dealt with via the licensing regime. On traffic and parking, there are no issues regarding the proposal.”

“The development hereby permitted shall not be occupied until secure cycle parking has been provided in accordance with details which have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The cycle parking shall be maintained in accordance with the approved details for the lifetime of the development.”

Officer report