Eight-person HMO at 43 High Street, Swallownest

“RB2025/0426 https://rotherham.planportal.co.uk/?id=RB2025/0426 Proposal and Location Change of use from bank (Use Class E) to House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to 8 people (Use Class Sui Generis) with boundary wall/railings to front and bin/cycle store and parking area to rear at 43 High Street Swallownest Rotherham S26 4TT”

“The application seeks full planning permission for a change of use from a bank to a HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) for up to 8 persons and includes the reinstatement of the front boundary wall, railings and gates and the siting of a cycle and a bin store with off street parking for 3 cars to the rear.”

“This application relates to a detached building located on a corner plot fronting High Street at Swallownest. The property is a large detached building with a garden area to the rear and a low wall to the front.”

“The submitted Design and Access Statement indicates that the property was originally 2 dwellings. Planning records show that an application was submitted in 1973 (RH1973/8230) to change the use from residential to a bank and office use.”

“Furthermore, the design of the building does not easily lend itself to conversion to a retail use. It should also be noted that a recent application has been approved (ref RB2023/0344) for the construction of a new two storey building within the Prime shopping street to form 4 Class E retail units at ground floor with 4 apartments at first floor level. This will increase the current level of retail stores in the town centre.”

“The proposed change of use to a residential use is contrary to the above policies, however, in this instance it is considered that the proposal can be supported in principle taking account of the location and design of the building and its previous history and would bring an empty unused building back into use preventing it from falling into disrepair.”

“With regard to the proposed accommodation, all habitable rooms have the benefit of a window with an adequate view. The internal technical spacing standards listed in South Yorkshire Residential Design Guide, along with Nationally Described Standards is more relevant for new houses and flats rather than HMOs.”

“Objections to the proposal have been received in relation to traffic and parking issues. The concerns raised include insufficient parking in the area for existing residents restricted parking for residents and nearby business and difficulties for emergency vehicles due to parked cars blocking the highway.”

“There is insufficient parking in the area for existing residents • Not enough parking for 7 cars • This is a busy area with 16 local businesses and restricted parking • Cannot get emergency vehicles through due to parked cars already • The application would encroach on a right of way that exists to the rear of the site. • Potential noise to adjacent residents…”

“The application was re-advertised following receipt of amended plans to address the issue of the Right of Way over the land to the rear and a further letter from a previous objector has been received with an additional letter from another occupier resulting in objections from 6 different people in total. The additional comments raised can be summarised as follows:”

“(4) That application RB2025/0426 be granted for the reasons adopted by Members at the meeting and subject to the relevant conditions listed in the submitted report.”