A doctor’s surgery in Bath is seeking planning permission for a third time to turn part of the premises into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).
St Michael’s Surgery at Walwyn Way in Twerton
St Michael’s Surgery in Twerton has submitted another application to Bath & North East Somerset Council to change the unused two storey-wing previously used by a dental practice into a four-bed HMO.
The wing contains the main entrance to the practice at Walwyn Close, although that would not be affected by the proposals. The proposed work includes layout changes and partitioning and some minor external alterations.
In March 2024, we reported that the council had refused permission for a HMO mainly because of the risk of “sandwiching” No.14 Walwyn Close between two HMOs.
No.12 had received planning permission in September 2021 to become one.
There were also concerns that two out of the four bedrooms would only have obscure glazed windows. Although that was meant to ensure no harmful overlooking, it would have resulted in an “unsatisfactory” living environment.
The council also said the application failed to secure an EPC (energy performance certificate) level C.
The second application last autumn made some window changes and noted that the council’s HMO map showed no evidence of No.12 having implemented the change of use and permission had expired.
It also said the EPC rating of D could be increased to the required C with small upgrades such as new solar PV panels and loft insulation.
But in again refusing the application, officers said that the occupier of the first-floor middle bedroom would have an unsatisfactory living environment because of an obscure glazed window, and although a roof light had been added, there would still be no outlook. The scheme also failed to secure the necessary EPC level C.
Building consultants for St Michael’s Surgery say the latest scheme ensures all bedrooms have front or rear-facing windows.
They say the EPC upgrades could include new windows to meet lower U-values and applying reflective coating to the south-facing windows, new solar PV panels and loft insulation.
The plans can be seen here and the deadline for comments is 15th July.
