Conversion of Newport house into larger HMO approved
The application has been granted with conditions.
This approval also marks the first formal planning permission for the property's HMO status, even though it has held HMO licenses since 2011.
The conversion will include five bedrooms, two of which will have en-suites, a communal living area, WC, kitchen, and bathroom.
The property is located within the Lower Dock Street Conservation Area and has an Article 4 Direction, which removes certain permitted development rights to protect the character of the area.
Part of the conversion plan includes the installation of three cycle racks and refuse storage at the rear of the property.
A review of the neighbourhood found that the proposed increase in HMO capacity complies with Policy H8, which imposes a maximum threshold of 15 per cent within a 50m radius.
The current HMO density in the area is 10.34 per cent.
The proposed changes also meet the requirements of the Historic Environment Act, as no external alterations are planned.
The internal space standards are also met, with all bedrooms exceeding the minimum size requirements.
The application was reviewed and accepted by various bodies.
Welsh Water confirmed capacity exists, while the Highways Authority, despite concerns about refuse and cycle parking, accepted the proposal due to its sustainable location.
The Principal Heritage Officer had no objections, and the police noted the area has a low crime and vulnerability rate.
Waste Management requires the provision of proper bin sizes and placement as per council specification.
The application attracted no objections or comments from the 93 neighbours consulted or from local councillors.
Conditions attached to the approval include the submission and implementation of secure cycle parking details, the installation of a bird box for biodiversity enhancement, and the occupancy limited to five residents.
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