Dorset Council: Chris Miell is pleased to announce that he has secured planning permission within Dorchester Conservation Area for external building alterations, including the installation of solar panels, associated with the conversion of two existing flats into two houses of multi occupation (HMOs).
Back in February 2022, we secured two lawful development certificates for the building owner (see here), which permit the conversion of two former flats into two houses of multi occupation (HMOs).
To facilitate the change of use of the respective units and to comply with Building Regulations, it is necessary to undertake a suite of minor external works at the property, which require planning permission. These include the installation of new soil and vent pipes, boiler flues, roof lights and the installation of double-glazed timber windows.
In addition to these works, it is proposed to install 12 no. photovoltaic panels on the east and west roof slope of the rearward section of the building, which faces onto Icen Way. The panels will provide a renewable source of energy for the residents of the respective HMOs, including the communal areas, with the potential to sell any surplus renewable energy back to the grid.
Within the immediate area, there are currently no solar panels present, which is not uncommon given that the site is located within a historic environment, which is a designated heritage asset, and includes several listed buildings which are located along High East Street and Icen Way. However, this did not dissuade Chris from submitting an application on behalf of his clients.
To support the application, Chris prepared a comprehensive supporting report which demonstrated that the proposed photovoltaic panels would not be readily visible from the public realm along Icen Way and High East Street, nor would they be visible from the west facing windows of the residential properties on Icen Way, which are listed buildings. Therefore, he argued that the proposed development would preserve the character and appearance of the Dorchester Conservation Area and the setting of the surrounding listed buildings.
The application was well received by the statutory consultees, including Dorchester Town Council, and no objections were submitted by the Conservation Officer or local residents. The application was approved by Dorset Council without any changes.
If you would like to explore the installation of solar panels at your property, why not give Pure Town Planning a call or email us for an initial consultation to see what we can do for you. We are a company that prides ourselves on our technical expertise, including an up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and permitted development rights, which we can utilise to benefit our clients.