Noise and impact on parking raised as concerns over proposal to change house into home for five occupants

The site is located on a major bus route and in close proximity to shops as well as being near to the St Leonards Road local shopping centre
Towcester Road, NorthamptonTowcester Road, Northampton
Towcester Road, Northampton

An application recommended for approval to change a Northampton house into a home for five occupants has received eight objections which include concerns about potential noise and impact on parking.

The proposal for the property in Towcester Road is due to go before West Northamptonshire Council's Northampton Local Area Planning Committee next Tuesday (June 1).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The application is for a change of use from dwellinghouse to house in multiple occupation for five occupants. It recommended for approval subject to conditions.

A report to the committee states the site comprises a two-storey, mid-terraced, three-bedroom property located in a residential area with similar terraced properties on the street.

The site is located on a major bus route and in close proximity to shops as well as being near to the St Leonards Road local shopping centre.

In the response to consultation section, the report states: 'Private sector housing: The property is suitable for five persons in five households as requested.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'Highways: Due to the known pressure in the area for on-street parking and the expectation that the change of use could result in an increased level of parking demand on-street immediate to the site, especially after 6pm in an already congested area, I would advise that the applicant undertakes an on-street car parking beat survey.

'Because of the ongoing coronavirus situation, however, we cannot accept transport data for the time being.

'As a result, the LHA (Local Highways Authority) cannot make informed comments regarding the highway impact of this application. Therefore, you may wish to consider the potential impact on local amenity.'

'Environmental Health: We have no objections to the proposal, there appears to be room at the front of the property to secure a refuse storage area subject to agreement with the LPA. (Local Planning Authority)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'Councillor Emma Roberts calls in the application on the grounds of density reach, impact on parking, removal of family purchase opportunities and risk to community cohesion.

'Cllr Julie Davenport calls in the application on the grounds of parking issues, rubbish in the area and concerns over anti-social behaviour.'

The council has received eight objections which included the following comments: 'Noise is a big problem, car parking is saturated and heritage of the area and of properties (period features) is being lost.'

The report goes on to state: 'No parking beat survey was submitted with the application, and comments from Highways indicate that this would in any event not be valid at the current time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'Nevertheless, it is considered that the application site is in a sustainable location within 60 metres of bus stops into and out of the town centre, with buses stopping, on average, every 15 minutes and at least every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 19:00. '

The planning balance and conclusion section of the report states: 'The proposed development would not lead to an unacceptable concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HIMOs) within the locality that would adversely affect upon the character of the local area, street scene, nor would the development have significant adverse impacts on neighbouring amenity or parking provision.

'The property is of sufficient size to accommodate the level of accommodation as proposed.'

Related topics: