A PLAN for a single storey extension at a property has been called in for debate by councillors.
It comes after a certificate of lawfulness was previously issued for 12 Brooklyn Road in Burntwood as part of work to convert it from a three-bedroom home to a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
But the planning committee at Lichfield District Council will now debate the scheme after the application was referred by Cllr Janice Silvester-Hall, Conservative representative for Hammerwich with Wall, over concerns about the impact of the changes on neighbours.
A report to the local authority’s planning committee has, however, recommended approval.
It said:
“Earlier this year, the Local Planning Authority issued a certificate of lawfulness for a single storey side extension and change of use from a three-bed property to a four-bed, four-person HMO.
“Extensive modernisation works are underway at the property, which externally have included alterations to a rear extension to replace its roof, alter fenestration and increase its height, along with a replacement side extension.
“The alterations to the rear extension in terms of the increased height and the replacement side extension due to its width exceed permitted development allowances meaning that planning permission is required.
“The application seeks to regularise the works carried out to the single storey rear extension and the single storey side extension.”
Ten letters of objection have been raised citing concerns including loss of privacy, impact on local parking, increased noise and the precedent it may set for future HMO development in the area.
The report to the planning committee said:
“Concerns raised were regarding the future occupants of the property, the property’s use as a HMO and safety concerns for nearby residents. This report makes it clear that the use of a building as a HMO did not require planning permission.
“There have also been concerns raised that anti-social behaviour or crime is likely to increase due to the use of the dwelling as a HMO or an increase in the number of HMOs in the area. This is a fear of crime and anti-social behaviour which can be a material consideration in a planning application or appeal. However, for that fear to be given significant weight in the planning balance, there must be a reasonable and evidential basis for it.
“There is no convincing evidence which would lead officers to conclude that the proposed development would give rise to an increase in anti-social behaviour or crime, that would warrant the refusal of the appeal proposal.
“Further comments have raised loss of property value and restrictive covenants which may affect the use of the property. These are civil matters which cannot be taken into account in the assessment of this planning application.
“The scheme has been assessed against the relevant local and national planning policies and it is concluded that the proposals would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the area and no unacceptable harm to residential amenity arises.
“The scheme is acceptable in highway terms and no mitigation is required for Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation in this case.”
The application will be debated at the meeting of the planning committee on 12th January.
