Flat to office conversion at Two Brewers House, 50 North Street, Thame

What was proposed

Converting the remaining upper floor flat above a former pub to office use, and extending a rain canopy over the rear courtyard.

“Change of use of upper floor flat to office use. Extend rain canopy to second rear door.”

“The site was formerly a public house and had been converted to residential use with office provision. The ground floor had been occupied by an accountancy firm for the last 10 years. In 2018, planning permission was granted to convert one of the residential units into an office in order to expand the business. The remaining part of the first floor and the second floor remained as a two-bedroom flat accessed through the rear courtyard of the building.”

Minutes

Why it went to committee

The application was called in over conflict with a policy protecting residential accommodation in the town centre; part of the building was converted to office use in 2018.

“The application had been called in by Councillor Bretherton due to conflict with the local plan policy H21, relating to loss of existing residential accommodation in the town centre.”

Minutes

Weighing the loss of housing

Officers accepted the loss of a residential unit conflicted with housing policy, but said the flat lacked outdoor space and the business needed room to grow.

“The application would result in the loss of one residential unit and would be contrary to local plan policy H21, however officers considered there were sufficient reasons to permit the loss of the residential unit in this case.”

“The residential unit does not benefit from private outdoor space and was located in the primary shopping area where businesses and services are encouraged. The existing business occupying the building provides a useful service for residents and was merging with another therefore requiring additional accommodation if they were to remain in their current premises.”

Minutes

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval of the change of use.

“Officers recommended the application for approval.”

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Who spoke

A supporter spoke in favour of the application.

What members debated

Members confirmed the flat had been empty for some time and agreed it made sense to retain a business that had been on site for ten years.

“Members asked if the flat was currently occupied and were advised that the flat had been empty for some time.”

“Members agreed that it made sense to approve the application and retain a business that had been on site for 10 years.”

Minutes

What was decided

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions listed.

“A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote.”

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P25/S3448/FUL subject to the following conditions: Commencement withing three years 2. Development in accordance with the approved plans 3. Materials as on plan Parking & manoeuvring areas to be retained.”

Minutes