A DEVELOPER is appealing a decision to refuse permission to convert a Stalybridge pub into an eight-bedroomed house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Devon-based Morada Properties was told it could not transform the Stocks Inn on January 12.
However, the firm has made an application to the Planning Inspectorate in an attempt to overturn the decision.
Their case hinges on two specific reasons for turning it down – car parking concerns and the impact the development would have on Stocks Lane and Compton Street and a lack of amenity space for those who would live there.
In a statement, Mirada says: “During the application process, a car parking survey was undertaken and submitted on October 31.
“The results were summarised as parking spaces were available on all streets at the beginning, end and periods in between.
“On Compton Street alone, adjacent to the development site, there were at least three or more number car parking spaces available during the survey periods.
“Despite the findings of the survey, two consultee responses on November 8 and December 8 were made indicating the results were disputed.
“Given the anticipated maximum demand for four cars arising from the proposed development, the results of the survey indicate that once operational, the impact to surrounding streets, including on Compton Street, and the local highway network would be minimal, even in the worst forecasted scenario.
“The evidence from the other sites – which too are in similar sustainable locations – demonstrate the average parking demand created from large HMO developments is 0.31 spaces per total bedrooms.
“Applying that ratio to the eight proposed in this instance would create a demand for 2.48 spaces (3 full spaces), further reducing the impact that is being alleged from the proposals.
“Considering the above, it is disputed that a significant highway safety concern would result from the proposed development. Indeed, the wording of the reason for refusal itself concedes that ‘the proposal would have a potentially detrimental impact on road safety.’”
Tameside Council dismissed the application, stating: “There is limited available on street parking in the immediate vicinity due to existing high vehicle parking demand on the surrounding streets from existing residential and commercial uses.
“Any additional overspill of on street parking generated by the scale of the proposed eight-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation would result in double parking on both sides of the street.
“Consequently, the proposal would have a potentially detrimental impact on road safety and on the amenity enjoyed by road users and local residents.
“The development as proposed fails to provide adequate quality useable/dedicated proposed outdoor amenity space commensurate to the needs of the future residents.”
However, that latter reason is questioned by Morada, who add: “During the application process, the case officer did not indicate that a lack of private outdoor amenity space would form a reason for refusing the application.
“Despite the lack of suitable private amenity space associated with the site itself, a wide range of accessible public amenity greenspaces are near the site which ensure that the health and well-being of future occupiers have been considered.
“Furthermore, several other material considerations and benefits emanating from the proposed development have been detailed, weighing further in favour of overturning the decision to refuse the initial planning application.”
Documents supporting the application stated the plan came about because, ‘there are very little affordable options for professional people to have a nice place to live that they could call home whilst they waited to get a property of their own.’
96 objections were received to Tameside Council as it considered it and refusal was greeted with delight by Councillor Doreen Dickinson, who described it as ‘excellent news.’
However, the Planning Inspectorate will now examine the decision and may yet decide to overturn it.