DC Casebook: Housing conversion - Home scheme permitted at stables

Planning, 22 August 2008

The appeal premises had been delisted after substantial deterioration and fire damage. The property had an extant planning permission for a ground-floor shop with a flat above. The inspector opined that visually the proposal would differ little from the approved scheme, although domestic doors and windows would be introduced in lieu of the shopfront.

She saw that the street was currently in mixed commercial and residential use, with both shops and residential properties at street level. In this context, she saw no objection to the proposal's appearance. The property's conversion for a viable use would enhance its appearance, secure its long-term maintenance and improve the setting of adjacent listed buildings and the surrounding area, she held.

She recorded concerns that no private outdoor space would be available at any of the three dwellings and noted that PPS3 emphasises the need for well-designed family accommodation with access to safe and secure recreational areas including private gardens. However, she accepted that PPS3 also promotes provision of a wider mix of dwellings to suit all sections of the community.

She remarked that some households without children require three-bedroom accommodation and that homes without outdoor space are a common feature of modern urban living. Because several outdoor recreation facilities were within walking distance, she decided that it would be open to future residents to decide whether the level of provision was acceptable to their way of life.

DCS Number 100-056-455

Inspector Wenda Fabian; Hearing.