Agenda item

To determine a full planning application from Mr Armstrong for a change of use from C3 Dwelling House to Sui Generis (HMO with 6+ bedrooms) – the current dwelling has 7 bedrooms and the applicant seeks to change the use of 66 George Road, Wallsend into a 8 bedroom HMO.   

The Committee considered a report from planning officers in relation to a full planning application from Mr Max Armstrong for the change of use from C3 Dwelling House to Sui Generis (HMO with 6+ bedrooms) – the current dwelling has 7 bedrooms and the application seeks permission to change the use of the building to a 8 bedroom HMO.

A planning officer presented details of the application with the aid of various maps, plans and photographs.  The report also made reference to the planning history of the site.

In accordance with the Committee’s Speaking Rights Scheme, Councillor Louise Marshall addressed the Committee on behalf of a number of residents in objection to the application.

Councillor Marshall explained the proposal will result in a loss of privacy for adjoining properties and there is a concern that proposed bedrooms could accommodate far more than eight single people.  She also explained the proposal could result in an increased amount of vehicles in what is already an overcrowded street.  She added that the proposed development does not contribute to section 8 of the National Planning Policy Framework in respect of promoting healthy and safe communities.  Councillor Marshall made reference to the representations made by Northumbria Police and the potential for an increase in crimes and demand placed on the police should the application be approved. Councillor Marshall stated that the proposed development does not meet the priorities of the Wallsend Town Centre Masterplan as it would not contribute to improve the quality of the housing offer in Wallsend.

In addressing the Committee Councillor Marshall explained that the concerns raised would also apply to the planning applications being considered in respect of 102 Laurel Street, Wallsend; 245-247 Station Road, Wallsend and 12 Coronation Street, Wallsend.

There were no questions put to Councillor Marshall.

On behalf of the applicant, Ms Casey Scott of DPP Planning, addressed the Committee to respond to the speakers comments.  Ms Scott explained that the scale of the property currently accommodates 7 bedrooms and the application was for an HMO for 8 single residents.  Miss Scott advised that the number of residents for the property would be controlled by condition on an approved planning permission and HMO licence.  She explained that two of the rooms within the development would have en-suite bathroom facilities and the property is within walking distance of Wallsend Town Centre.  She explained that the granting of the application would not result in HMOs becoming a dominant form of housing within the area.

There were no questions put to Ms Scott.

Members of the Committee asked questions of the officers and made comments.  In doing so the Committee gave particular consideration to:

·       The impact upon neighbours

·       Parking

·       Living conditions

·       The number of rooms proposed

·       The cumulative impact of HMOs

·       Fear of crime

·       The Wallsend Town Centre Masterplan

·       North Tyneside Local Plan

The Chair proposed acceptance of the planning officer’s recommendation.

On being put to the vote, 4 members voted for the recommendation and 4 voted against the recommendation.

The Chair used his casting vote and it was carried that the application be refused.

Resolved that planning permission be refused on the following grounds:

1)          The proposal for an HMO does not provide good quality accommodation and living conditions for eight residents and as such is contrary to Policy DM4.10 of the North Tyneside Local Plan and the Wallsend Town Centre Masterplan (2023) which seeks to improve the quality of housing offer in Wallsend.

2)          The proposal would result in an increased fear of crime to the detriment of residential amenity contrary to Local Plan Policy DM4.10 and would not contribute to the improvement of the area contrary tot eh Wallsend Town Centre Masterplan (2023)