Six-person contractor HMO at 80a High Street, Redcar

What was proposed

The application sought to change first-floor contractor accommodation into six-person contractor accommodation with shared facilities and six en-suite bedrooms.

“Permission is sought for the change of use of first floor contractor accommodation (C3) to 6 person contractor accommodation with shared facilities (HMO) (C4)”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The accommodation is on the first floor of a town-centre property near commercial units, offices, storage and residential flats.

“The application relates to first floor accommodation at 80a High Street, Redcar. The site is situated within the designated town centre of Redcar with a mix of uses in the vicinity of the site, including various commercial units a number of which have either office space, storage or residential flats at first floor.”

“It is proposed to provide 6 bedrooms all with en-suite facilities, with a shared kitchen and living room. Access to the first floor is proposed from a door within the side (west) elevation.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

A 2024 prior approval allowed the first floor to change from retail use to a small C3 HMO dwellinghouse for contractor accommodation.

“R/2024/0370/PNC Prior approval for change of use from retail unit (first floor) to form small HMO (C3) dwellinghouse - contractor accommodation. Prior Approval Required and Approved 02/08/24”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle, suitable for six people, compatible with the area and unlikely to harm neighbouring amenity or highway safety.

“As a result of the site's location and the proposal the principle of development is acceptable and the proposal would accord with the broad aims of policies SD1, SD2 and SD3 of the Local Plan.”

“While it is recognised that Coatham Ward has the highest concentration of HMO’s in the Borough, given the lack of recorded HMO’s on the High Street in the vicinity of the application site, and considering the other relevant policies detailed above relating to the principle of the proposed development, the development is one that is considered on balance to be acceptable in principle with further matters being considered below.”

Officer report

Objectors and ward members

Objectors and ward members opposed the proposal, citing HMO concentration, parking, waste, enforcement, transient occupancy, community identity and the emerging Article 4 Direction.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission with three conditions, including a three-year commencement limit, approved plans and work-or-holiday occupancy with an occupier register.

“RESOLVED that Planning Permission be granted subject to the following conditions:”

“The proposed accommodation hereby approved shall be occupied for work/holiday purposes only. The owners/operators shall maintain an up to date register of the names of all occupiers of individual rooms, and shall make this information available at all reasonable times to the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes