After securing planning permission for a seven-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Freeview Road in Twerton last October, the developer has now submitted another application for a shared house in the same street.
Freeview Road in Bath
Rivers Birtwell specialises in homes for students and young professionals.
The plans to convert the three-bed semi at 53 Freeview Road, including adding an extension, had sparked concerns from 29 objectors about HMO density, lack of parking, noise, rubbish, loss of privacy, and that students are being prioritised over families in the city.
However, Bath & North East Somerset Council planners said the proposals were acceptable.
Rivers Birtwell’s latest application for Freeview Road, which is next to Bath City Football Club’s ground, is to change the three-bed semi at No. 41 into a six-bed HMO, adding a rear extension and a bike store at the front.
A report prepared by planning consultants in support of the application says the proportion of HMOs within a 100-metre radius would stay under the 10% threshold and that the conversion of No. 41 would not result in a property being ‘sandwiched’ between HMOs.
It adds: “The existing mix of housing is well-balanced and the addition of one more HMO is unlikely to disrupt the character of the area.”
The report also says that there is no reason to anticipate a significant impact on neighbours in terms of noise or disturbance, but soundproofing will be provided along party walls.
No off-street parking is proposed but the consultants’ report says there are regular bus services and that “Freeview Road has been seen to be uncongested with on-street parking so if occupants were to require spaces, they would be available to them.”
The planning reference is 25/00409/FUL and the deadline for anyone wishing to comment is 13th March.
