Conversion of single dwelling (class C3) to Sui-Generis House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for 9 persons, and conversion of the existing garage to bike and bin store, plus erection of two dormer windows and associated enabling internal works and minor external works (amended description)

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application.  An update report was tabled at the meeting which set out clarification and corrections regarding the HMO threshold calculation, as well as information on landscaping.

Comments were received and considered.

Resolved –    That planning permission for application 211420/FUL be refused, on the grounds that the proposed location of the communal ground floor lounge, kitchen and dining room over two of the bedrooms was considered to be an inappropriate ‘stacking’ arrangement which would result in an unacceptable level of harm to residential amenity for occupants in these basement bedrooms, contrary to policies H8 (Residential Conversions) and CC8 (Safeguarding Amenity) of the Reading Borough Local Plan (2019) and the Council’s ‘Residential Conversions Supplementary Planning Document’ (2013).