Verdict in on plan to turn family bungalow into a 7-bed HMO on Lostock Hall residential street

Richard Porter applied to South Ribble Borough Council to change the use of 25 Fir Trees Avenue, Lostock Hall, from a single dwelling with five bedrooms, into a house for seven people. The plans involved the conversion of the existing garage to provide two additional bedrooms with independent access, together with the construction of a “modest” new front dormer to accommodate a shower room.

He said the drive could accomodate six cars, and an additional car could be parked directly outside the property on the street. He told SRBC the proposal had “been designed to meet housing demand while respecting the character of the area.”

But planning chiefs did not agree, and have refused the application - on three points.

In a report prepared by planning officers, it states that County Highways, whilst acknowledging the site is within a sustainable location, raised concerns at the proposed site layout which would not allow vehicles in three parking spaces to be open their doors without going over the party boundary with the neighbouring property. They also said the proposed layout also does not allow for off-street spaces to be independently accessed.

Environmental Health advised that the proposed internal layout of the HMO does not meet compliance standards for licensing.

Decision

Planning bosses acted upon the recommendation of officials, and the application was refused for the following reasons:

1. The proposed front dormer extension, by virtue of it design and siting, would appear unduly prominent, to the detriment of the character and appearance of the area.

2. The proposed off-street parking does not comply with requirements for access and parking set out in Policy B1 a) and Policy G17 c) of the South Ribble Local Plan to the detrimental of highway safety.

3. The proposed change of use would result in a material increase in activity at the property with the resulting associated noise leading to an adverse impact on the amenities of neighbouring residential properties, contrary to the requirements of Policy B1 c) of the South Ribble Local Plan.

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