Yeovil, Somerset: Chris Miell has recently secured planning permission for the conversion of a former commerical premises in Yeovil town centre to a co-living development consisting of 64 rooms over three floors.
The development was secured via two standalone planning permissions with plans prepared by SPASE Design. The first permission relates to the upper floors, whilst the second permission relates to the conversion of the ground floor.
The development incorporates external works including the insertion of roof lights, installation of replacement windows throughout the building, the removal of redundant bank equipment and the installation of solar panels with associated storage batteries.
The site is located on King George Street within Yeovil Conservation Area. It is occupied by a three storey building, which was previously occupied by Halifax. Most of the ground floor was used a bank (now closed), with ancillary office space on the first and second floors, a large proportion of which was vacant and unused by Halifax.
To support the respective applications, we prepared detailed design, access, planning and heritage statement, which justified the proposal in policy terms. In particular, we were able to put forward a robust justification in support of principle of development whereby we demonstrated that the development was necessary meet the needs of local workers, including those who work for many of the specialist companies based in Yeovil, who are associated with Ministry of Defence.
These companies need a high number of specialist staff, some who travel from far afield. Due to the current housing situation, there is limited housing stock, for such workers to live in for either short or long periods of time or week days etc. This lack of housing is causing a significant stress on local businesses trying to attract talent, which the development aims to address.
To justify the loss of the retail unit, we argued that as King George Street fell outside of the Primary Shopping Frontages for Yeovil, the proposal would not conflict with the local plan policies that seek to protect retail frontages. We also highlighted that the local population would remain well served by banks within the town centre, many of which are a short walking distance form the site. These arguments were accepted by the Planning Officer.
The applications were well received by the statutory consultees, including Yeovil Town Council, but further information was sought by the Somerset Waste Partnership regarding waste management and refuse collection. Chris negotiated on the client’s behalf and working with SPASE prepared additional documentation to demonstrate that the necessary standards would be met.
In assessing the most application, the Planning Officer concluded that “Given the highly sustainable nature of the location, it is considered that the proposal to develop the site for this type of shared accommodation (which is much in need within the town centre) can be supported in principle there being no local policies which advise against such a change. Whilst it is recognised that, with the already approved units, the building will provide a significant number of co-living units, the town centre is considered to be an ideal location for this type of use. The use will be controlled through the appropriate licensing regime that includes provisions to protect against anti-social behaviour.”
If you are exploring the possibilities of converting/creating a new HMO development or co-living scheme and seek assistance in steering your scheme through the planning process, then contact Pure Town Planning on 01202 585524, or email us at info@puretownplanning.co.uk for an assessment to see if we can assist.