Agenda item

Part change of use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C1 (holiday let) retaining the existing C3 use across the remainder of the property.

The Senior Planning Officer, PH, gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, a copy of which had been circulated (for copy see file of minutes).  Members noted that the written report was supplemented by a visual presentation which included photographs of the site.  The application was part change of use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C1 (holiday let) retaining the existing C3 use across the remainder of the property and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions set out within the report.

The Senior Planning Officer, PH referred Members to the proposed floorplans and noted that there had been no objections from statutory or internal consultees.  He added that objections had been received from the Whinney Hill Residents’ Group in terms of loss of a family home, impact upon the area being able to attract family buyers back into the area.  The Senior Planning Officer, PH noted there was to be no bed and breakfast facility, with rooms let on a short-term basis for visitors/lecturer/tourists, not students.  He added there was a condition in relation to no single period greater than 3 weeks in a 6 month period and for a list of guests’ permanent addresses to be retained.

Members noted the property was within the City of Durham Conservation Area (CA), however, as there were no proposals to alter the external elevations, there was no impact upon the CA.

The Chairman thanked the Senior Planning Officer, PH and asked the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor D Freeman noted he was a Local Member in respect of the application and had asked for the application to be considered by the Committee and noted the views of local residents.  He noted some scepticism in terms of the application, noting the whole property was advertised for rent recently.  He added that the Article 4 Direction in respect of student housing should stop the property becoming an HMO, and he was happy in respect of Condition 3 relating to C1 use and the periods of let, however, questioned the offer of 4 beds and no cooking facilities.  He agreed that it would be sad to lose a family house in the area, and asked if there was anything stopping the applicant applying for parking permits.

The Principal Highway DM Engineer noted that the application had sufficient parking on-site and that this would be for the applicant to manage, residents could apply for visitor permits, for parking elsewhere on-street.

Councillor M Davinson noted the concerns in terms of potential HMO use, however, he felt that Condition 3 satisfied those concerns and proposed the application be approved.  Councillor J Clark seconded the proposal.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report.