Seven-person house in multiple occupation at 102 Ashburnham Road, Northampton

What was proposed

The application sought to increase the existing house in multiple occupation from six to seven occupants, retain a rear dormer and install a side window.

“Development: Change of use from a 6-person House in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4) to a 7-person House in Multiple Occupation (Sui Generis), including retrospective permission for the construction of a rear roof dormer and associated roof alterations, and the installation of a clear- glazed window to the side elevation.”

“Proposal Increase in number of occupants in existing House in Multiple Occupancy from 6 no. persons (use class C4) to 7 no. persons (Sui generis)”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey Victorian-style end-of-terrace house in a street of similar properties.

“The application site comprises a two storey Victorian style end of terrace house in a street of similar properties.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

Permission was granted in 2024 to change the dwelling into a six-person house in multiple occupation with a new side window.

“The following planning history is considered relevant to the current proposal:”

“2024/2237/FULL - Change of use from dwelling (C3) to 6No person House in Multiple Occupancy (C4) to include new window opening to side (West) elevation – Approved 10/07/24.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, including a seven-person occupancy limit and details for cycle and refuse storage.

“GRANT PERMISSION SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS as set out below with delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Planning and Development to approve any amendments to conditions as deemed necessary:”

“Full details of the provision for the storage of refuse and materials for recycling shall be first submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved details shall be implemented prior to the first occupation or bringing into use of the building for the use hereby permitted and thereafter retained.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor’s written objection was read out, another ward councillor spoke against, and the agent and applicant spoke in support.

The committee’s vote

A motion to approve in line with the case officer’s recommendation received eight votes in favour, one against and one abstention.

“It was proposed by Councillor Alexander McMurtry and seconded by Councillor Adrian Cartwright that application 2025/4953/FULL be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation. The motion was put to the vote with eight votes cast in favour of the proposal, one vote cast against with one abstention, therefore the motion was carried, and the application was approved.”

Minutes

The decision

Authority was delegated to grant permission subject to the conditions in the case officer’s report and any necessary amendments.

“(1) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development to grant permission to application 2025/4953/FULL subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary).”

Minutes