Two apartments at 96 Erddig Road, Wrexham

What was proposed

The application proposed dividing the existing dwelling into one ground-floor one-bedroom apartment and one first-floor two-bedroom apartment, without external alterations.

“Site Description The site lies within a residential area comprising terraced properties of traditional design which front onto Erddig Road. The existing property has 5 no. bedrooms, small front garden and an existing rear amenity area comprising an area of hard standing and small yard area, and associated land beyond.”

“Proposal The application seeks planning permission for the subdivision of the existing dwelling into 2 apartments. A 1 x 1 bedroom unit on the ground floor which is accessed from the rear, and a 1 x 2 bedroom unit on the first floor which is accessed from the front. There would be no alterations to the exterior elevations of the building. Bin and cycle storage facilities would be provided at the rear of the site, with 2 new parking spaces proposed beyond.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the subdivision met relevant policies and was unlikely to cause significant harm to neighbours, highways, conservation or the environment.

“Taking the into account it is unlikely that the proposal would result in significant harm to the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties. The proposed development therefore accords with UDP policies H4 and GDP1.”

“Natural Environment The proposed development is unlikely to increase the number of occupiers compared to the existing situation and is therefore unlikely to increase the volume of phosphorus generated. It is therefore unlikely that there would be a significant effect on the River Dee and Bala Lake Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The proposed development would therefore accord with UDP Policies GDP1, EC6 and EC14.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Welsh Water requested a drainage condition, while highways, conservation, public protection and natural environment consultees raised no objection subject to stated requirements.

“Welsh Water: Recommends a condition to ensure that no surface water is allowed to drain to the public sewerage system.”

“Public Protection Officer No objections. Recommends that a condition be attached to secure details of sound proofing, for further approval.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker addressed the committee against the application, while the officer presented the proposal and displayed site plans.

Committee discussion

Members discussed additional lighting and whether the apartments could become HMOs; officers said that would require a separate application.

“Confirmation that the applicant would be willing to provide some additional lighting which could be added as an additional condition, should permission be granted. • Confirmation that the application was to convert the existing dwelling into two apartments. This prompted a suggestion that the units could potentially be used as HMOs. Officers clarified that such a change of use would require a separate application.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted in line with the officer recommendation, subject to an additional condition requiring approved external lighting before occupation.

“RESOLVED – That permission be granted in accordance with the Officer recommendation, subject to the following additional condition:”

“Condition: The apartments hereby permitted shall not be occupied until a scheme of external lighting has been implemented in accordance with details that shall…”

Minutes