2 weeks Ago
An extension to add a sixth bedroom and kitchen – called a "seperate dwelling" entirely – to a Little Lever HMO has been approved. The house on Williams Street in the village currently has five bedrooms and parking for four cars . Nixie Edwards, the agent speaking on behalf of the applicant, spoke in favour of the application at the planning committee.
She said: “Originally the application was to add three bedrooms – however, after careful consideration and consultation with the planning officer, it was agreed to reduce the scheme to a six-bed HMO. “Therefore the application is now just to consider the extension only.” According to current rules, planning permission isn’t required for HMOs of six beds or fewer.
She said that the applicant had permission for a similar extension in 2010, but “for various reasons” never went through with the development. The extension will connect the house and the garage (Image: Bolton Council) The extension will connect the house to the garage with the link between them making room for an ensuite bedroom – and a new separate kitchen and living area. Ms Edwards said: “The garage and existing driveway will remain in place for up to four vehicles if necessary.
“But it’s usually the case that those who require rooms to let as their accommodation do not necessarily own a car. “Therefore it’s unlikely that all six of the residents will require a space.” Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.
[email protected] Cllr David Grant said: “This isn’t part of it – this is a separate dwelling – it’s got a front door, separate to the main dwelling.
“Essentially, you’re turning a detached property into a semi-detached – albeit, a bungalow effectively. “I don’t understand how this is classed as a HMO and falls under the HMO rules when it’s a separate dwelling.” Cllr Grant said that if the access point from the conservatory was shut off, the extension would be a completely separate dwelling, and that he didn’t think it should be classed as a HMO.
READ MORE: HMOs are ‘changing the face of neighbourhoods’ in Bolton READ MORE: Blackrod 'monstrosity' house construction frustrates locals READ MORE: Bolton Council refuse house extension to care for elderly father Cllr David Wilkinson said that he would like to see permitted development rights removed if the application was approved to ensure no building would be built over the garage or link – as proposed in the original application. He said: “I have to be honest, I’m busily thinking about a reason to refuse it – because I’m not happy about it. “But at the moment, I’m struggling, and that’s saying a lot for me but I’m not happy about it.
” The extension was approved with the added condition of removing permitted development rights, with every councillor voting in favour except for Cllr Grant..
