23/5184
(A) The change of use of existing hostel into 10 apartments/studios to include internal alterations and communal storage areas, (B) To change some existing rear elevation windows and doors into new fire escape windows and doors, (C) New replacement windows and doors to all elevations, (D) New external fire escape stairs and landing onto rear elevation, (E) New external walkway over existing rear flat roof lobby/link with new fire escape doors to serve same, (F) Alteration of existing front elevation window to include new fire escape entrance door onto Strand Street, (G) Private external amenity spaces, general bin storage and bicycle storage for each apartment/studio, (H) All associated site works and services.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended a grant of permission, concluding that the reuse and refurbishment of a vacant building within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) provides an appropriate alternative housing type near services and contributes to the vitality of the town center, provided the density is slightly reduced to ensure high-quality residential amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed residential use is acceptable in principle as it effectively addresses vacancy in a historic structure and aligns with the site's town center zoning and housing mix objectives.
- A reduction from 9 units to 7 units is necessary via condition to eliminate substandard units with poor light and restricted outlook, thereby improving the overall quality of the residential scheme.
- The development will not adversely affect the integrity of the Blackwater River SAC or Blackwater Estuary SPA, provided that the mitigation measures outlined in the Natura Impact Statement are fully implemented.