Agenda item

Change of use from C3 dwelling (previously used by housing users within the Justice system and by housing charity supporting young people with housing needs) to C4 house in multiple occupation.

The Committee considered the report of the Planning Officer regarding an application for the change of use from C3 dwelling (previously used by housing users within the justice system and by a housing charity supporting young people with housing needs) to C4 house in multiple occupation (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included photographs of the site. Members had visited the site and were familiar with the location and setting.

Councillor Corrigan moved refusal of the application on the grounds that the application would be contrary to paragraphs 17, 56 and 58 of the NPPF, and Policy T1 of the City of Durham Local Plan. The application would have no positive benefit for the community, and given the response from the local community about anti-social behaviour, the fear of crime and crime and disorder would increase in the area. Traffic movements would increase with no off-street parking provided. Councillor Freeman considered that the application would have a detrimental impact on the amenity of residents within the area, contrary to the City of Durham Local Plan Policy H13, and this was included as an additional reason for refusal in the motion. Councillor Bleasdale seconded the motion to refuse the application.

Resolved:

That the application be refused for the following reasons:-

The change of use from a C3 family house to a C4 house in multiple occupation would not provide a positive benefit to the community, is considered to detract from the residential amenity of the area by virtue of noise and disturbance to residents from additional comings and goings, additional traffic movements from a dwelling that has no off street parking and an increase in crime and disorder and a fear of crime and disorder. For these reasons the application is not considered acceptable and is considered to be contrary to paragraphs 17, and 58 of the NPPF and policies H13 and T1 of the City of Durham Local Plan 2004.