The Government has overturned a council decision to refuse planning permission for a 14-bedroom house of multiple occupancy in Barrow.
The Planning Inspectorate granted permission to convert 52 Paradise Street after the applicants appealed the decision made by Barrow Borough Council to refuse it.
The proposals include the provision of en suite bedrooms over three floors as well as communal kitchens and living areas.
Councillors refused the planning application to convert the property, previously used by CADAS, into the 14-bed venue despite it being recommended for approval by council planning officers.
According to planning documents, the council received a letter from 18 residents on Harrison Street opposing the application.
The letter stated concerns over the pressure on parking in the area as there are only 12 spaces available and those currently with parking permits cannot park outside their homes.
However, the inspector’s decision said: “At the time of my site visit, mid-morning on a Thursday which I appreciate is only a snapshot in time, there were a number of vehicles parked on the roads surrounding the site. Signage advising permits was also in place.
“Nevertheless, there were several areas where on-street parking spaces were available. Additionally, there was also availability on nearby private car parks, including the one adjacent to the appeal building.”
The Planning Inspectorate’s decision added that concerns over the number of houses of multiple occupancy in the area were noted, but the number of licensed ones were well dispersed in the surrounding area.
It added: “Outside of the shopping area and within the surrounding residential streets, I observed quiet and well-kept urban street scenes of what appeared to be predominantly family homes.
“As such, even if I were to accept there are unlicensed house of multiple occupancy which have not been identified, there was negligible aural or visual evidence, such as litter, noise or parking congestion, one would expect in an area with an imbalance towards houses of multiple occupancy.”
The report from the inspector said there was no cogent evidence the proposed application would attract people more likely to commit crimes or carry out anti-social behaviour.
It added there was no convincing evidence it would place an unacceptable demand on local services.
