03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Plans to increase capacity of Wrexham HMO approved on appeal

PLANS to increase the capacity of a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Wrexham have been approved after a successful appeal.
The application to change the number of bedrooms at the property in Rhosddu from six to seven was rejected by Wrexham Council’s planning committee back in March.
It followed concerns being raised by councillors over the impact on parking and road safety on Stansty Road, where the bedsit is located.
Blue Column Properties, which is behind the proposals, appealed to the Planning Inspectorate to have the ruling overturned after consultants acting on the company’s behalf slammed it as “a political decision”.
An inspector appointed by the Welsh Government has now chosen to allow the plans to go ahead.
In a report outlining her decision, Claire MacFarlane said the changes would not have a negative impact on parking.
She said: “At the time of my visit, there was little to indicate that the area experiences a significant level of parking demand, with only a small number of cars parked along Railway Road and Stansty Road, and very limited numbers of vehicles travelling through Railway Road.
“However, I acknowledge that this may vary throughout the day and evening.
“The appeal property is located within relatively easy walking distance of a range of shops, services and public transport, meaning residents would not necessarily be reliant on private vehicles to meet their everyday needs.
“As such, I consider it to be a sustainable location where a reduced level of parking provision may be appropriate.”
Council planning officers had originally recommended the proposals for approval.
Councillors were accused by the consultants of failing to use “sound planning judgement” after they ignored the advice and refused permission.
Ms MacFarlane added: “Taking into account the sustainable location of the appeal property, and the unrestricted nature of the surrounding roads, I consider that any additional on-street parking demand resulting from the proposal would be limited and would not cause harm to highway safety.
“For the reasons given above, the appeal is allowed.”

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