A Bath-based charity has submitted a retrospective application to turn one of its city centre properties into a large house in multiple occupation (HMO).
The Willats Trust’s application to change the use of the mid-terrace student house at 5 Barton Buildings from a small to a large HMO involves changing the layout to create seven bedrooms in total.
The application to Bath & North East Somerset Council acknowledges that the conversion to the Georgian Grade II* listed property was done without the required planning or listed building consent in June 2019.
Back in 2014, Mr Willatts’ Charity, as it was known then, applied (also retrospectively) to turn the five-storey house into a six-bed HMO. The change of use was approved.
Now the trust’s planning consultants say the change of use from a small HMO to a large HMO and the internal alterations that have been carried out are “appropriate” for the site and its surroundings.
A bathroom on the second floor has been converted to provide a bedroom and shower room, and a shower room has been included on the first floor.
The report from the consultants says the listed building’s historical significance has been respected while providing suitable modern living accommodation.
The charity rebranded in 2018 to coincide with its 160th anniversary.
Its properties in Bath continue to provide financial income, allowing it to give out grants to Christian outreach workers in areas of high deprivation in the UK.
The planning reference is 24/03819/FUL. Listed building consent is also being sought. The deadline for comments is 19th December.
