Three flats at 41 Houndiscombe Road, Plymouth

What was proposed

The application sought to change an office into three flats under Class MA permitted development rights.

“This application has been referred to the Planning Committee by Cllr. Steve Ricketts. Description of Site 41 Houndiscombe Road is a terraced office building which was last used by a firm of accountants who have since relocated. The site falls within the Drake ward of the city. Proposal Description Change of use from office (Class E) to 3no.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history and no pre-application enquiry.

“Relevant Planning History None. Consultation Responses Highway Authority - No objections. Public Protection Service - No objections. Lead Local Flood Authority - Response pending. Representations 4no. letters of representation have been received by Officers: 1no. of which expresses support for the scheme and 3no. of which express objections. The concerns raised include: - Loss of office space.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended granting prior approval because the proposal met Class MA requirements and provided acceptable transport arrangements, natural light and living space.

“Development under Class MA is permitted subject to the condition that before beginning the development, the developer must apply to the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to: (a) Transport impacts of the development, particularly to ensure safe site access; (b) Contamination risks in relation to the building; (c) Flooding risks in relation to the building; (d) Impacts of noise from commercial…”

“Planning Obligations The purpose of planning obligations is to mitigate or compensate for adverse impacts of a development, or to prescribe or secure something that is needed to make the development acceptable in planning terms. Planning obligations can only lawfully constitute a reason for granting planning permission where the three statutory tests of Regulation 122 of the CIL Regulations 2010 are met.”

Officer report

At the meeting

The planning officer presented the application to the committee.

Committee discussion

Following discussions, the committee agreed to grant the application conditionally.

“Following discussions, the Committee agreed to grant the application conditionally.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The permission requires compliance with approved plans, completion within three years, secure space for four bicycles and continued Class C3 use.

“Conditions / Reasons The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: CONDITION: APPROVED PLANS Existing Plans P1313-01 received 22/05/25 Proposed Plans P1313-11 received 22/05/25 Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of good planning, in accordance with the Plymouth & South West Devon Joint Local Plan 2014–2034 (2019).”

“CONDITION: TIME LIMIT The development hereby permitted shall be completed before the expiration of three years beginning from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with Paragraph MA.2(5) of Class MA of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).”

Officer report