Proposal to convert prefab into HMO is recommended for approval

Controversial plans to turn a three-bed prefab house in Twerton into a six-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) are being recommended for approval.

The property on Shaws Way in Twerton

However, following a request from ward councillor Sarah Moore, the chair and vice chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee have agreed the decision should be taken by members, rather than delegated to officers, as it has generated a lot of local concern.

Originally a conversion to seven-bed HMO was being planned at 30 Shaws Way, but the size of the proposed single-storey rear extension has been reduced and the scheme is now for six sharers.

The properties in the area are said to be unusual in that their rear gardens face the road with the fronts facing onto a public footpath.

The council has received 36 objections to the plans, which have been submitted by accommodation company Rivers Birtwell. Concerns include that there are already too many student houses in the area and there are existing parking problems.

Comments include: “Don’t let greedy landlords kill the neighbourhood, we don’t have the infrastructure, the doctor, dentist and shops. The schools are undersubscribed as the community is being wrecked by all the student houses.”

Another said that the prefab is “physically unable to support an extension in the way set out by the proposal, due to the type of construction”. They said that another local house of the same construction had to be taken done and completely rebuilt from the foundations to support this type of extension.

A report from council planning officers says the conversion would not result in ‘sandwiching’ between other HMO certified properties, and based on council data, this permission would result in six of 87 homes within a 100-metre radius being HMOs, which equates to 6.9%. The threshold is 10%.

The proposal is said to comply with council policy in terms of density, floor areas and energy performance certificate rating increase.

A cycle and bin store will be provided in the rear garden; the property has a garage and there is said to be on street-parking.

The report adds: “The applicants have confirmed that following approval, an engineer will be appointed to prepare the structural calculations and take into consideration the existing structure of the host property and the neighbouring properties.

“The existing openings are kept as existing, so the extension is likely to only have a minimal impact on the existing properties.

“Building Regulation approval will be required for the construction. Additionally, any Party Wall Act procedures will be followed to ensure neighbouring properties have protection against any possible damage.”

The report adds: “It is recognised that the proposal will result in six people being accommodated on the site but given the scale, and siting of the proposed development, the change of use would not cause significant harm to the amenities of any occupiers or adjacent occupiers through loss of privacy, noise, traffic or other disturbance.”

The planning application will be discussed at the planning meeting on Wednesday 24th September.