NEARBY residents have won a planning battle to stop proposals to convert a detached house at Fearnhead, Warrington into a “house in multiple occupation” for seven people.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee rejected the application even though officers had recommended it be approved.
Officers pointed out that the property in Freshfields Drive was already occupied by six people, for which planning consent is not required.
But members of Warrington Borough Councils‘development control committee decided to refuse consent because of amenity issues and the possibility of general disturbance and noise.
Officers had argued that the minor increase in occupancy would be in keeping with the present use of the property.
There were already three parking spaces at the house and the proposals included the provision of two more on existing hard-standing.
Objectors claimed the proposed and existing use of the house was not in keeping with the area, that the size of the house was not suitable for the number of occupiers, there would be increase noise, litter and anti-social behaviour and that the scheme could set a precedent.
They also complained that the level of on-street parking in Freshfields Drive would make it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach nearby houses.
The plan did not involve any changes to the external appearance of the house although a single-storey rear extension has already been built under permitted development rights
