The application sought approval, subject to conditions, for a two storey side and single storey rear extension. The single storey rear and two storey side extensions were both considered acceptable in size and design and there were considered to be no detrimental impacts on the neighbours. Highways had considered this application to be acceptable.

The Ward Councillor was invited to present his statement. He highlighted, the property was registered on “Zoopla” as a 7-8 bedroom property, which raised concern as the parking spaces are very limited.

The Vice Chair opened the Committee to questions regarding the application.

Councillor Jefferies wanted to clarify whether the applicant had made alterations to the property having already had an application to do so refused. The Principal Planner explained an earlier application for a new two storey dwelling on the site was previously refused. He also advised that the applicant was advised they should not be going ahead with the work on the current application without planning permission having been obtained. .

Councillor Piccolo asked if the other application was refused due to parking. The Principal Planner stated they were unable to confirm as they did not have the relevant information during the meeting. However the application was a completely different proposal which would have resulted in an additional house on the site, rather than an extension to the existing house.

Councillor Piccolo wanted confirmation on how many parking spaces would be required for an 8 bedroom property. The Principal Planner confirmed the total of 5 bedrooms on the plan. The Highways Engineer advised parking for a 2-3 bedroom is a maximum of 1.5 – 2 spaces dependent on accessibility and anything above this number would require an additional parking space.

Councillor Piccolo asked what measures were in place to ensure that a 5 bedroom property does not become a 7-8 bedroom property a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

The Principal Planner advised that properties are able to have up to 6 unrelated people living together as a single household and anything above this figure will require planning permission.

Councillor Jefferies wanted to know what inspections were undertaken on the property to ensure no more than 5 bedrooms are being used as a HMO. It was confirmed by the Principal Planning Officer, that Officers had been to the property within the last 10 days and there was nothing to indicate it was more than a 5 bedroom property.

Councillor Piccolo expressed his concerns that this property may be turned into an HMO. Councillor Piccolo’s concerns were, that the property appeared a lot different from the other properties down this street and the fact the applicants were advised not to build on the property yet the applicant failed to comply and went ahead with the alterations.

Councillor Rice wanted to confirm whether the applicant requested permission after the work was underway. This was confirmed as correct.

The Assistant Director advised than an Informative could be added to a Decision Notice to advise that the property cannot become an HMO without planning permission.

Councillor Jefferies highlighted the parking would be an issue if the house were to become an HMO. He wanted to know what measures were put in place to ensure this does not happen as the applicant failed to follow instructions when building on the property originally.

Mr S Taylor asked if the property was to be sold would the agreement of non HMO requirement with any new owners. It was confirmed that Planning Permission runs with the land.

The Vice-Chair stated this application appeared over developed; however there were no reasons why this item should be refused. He agreed to accept this application with the informative attached to the decision to advise that permission would be required to use the house as an HMO.

It was proposed by The Vice-Chair and seconded by Councillor A Sheridan subject to conditions, as per the Officer’s recommendations.

For (4): Councillors Steve Liddiard, Sue Sammons, Angela Sheridan and Gerard Rice

Against: (3) Councillors Andrew Jefferies, Terry Piccolo, and Sue Shinnick

Abstain: (0)

RESOLVED:

That the application be approved, subject to conditions.

The Chair entered and continued with the meeting.