Developer Successfully Converts Family Home Despite Concerns
A developer in Caerphilly has recently been granted planning permission to convert a three-bedroom property into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to four occupants. The Caerphilly council’s planning committee approved the proposal by D2 Propco to transform 15 First Avenue in Trecenydd into a shared occupancy dwelling.
HMOs typically cater to single, unrelated adults who each have their own bedrooms but share communal spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. The conversion plans for 15 First Avenue include turning the existing dining room on the ground floor into a fourth bedroom. Additionally, parking facilities and bike storage will be situated at the side and rear of the property, accessible via a shared driveway.
During a planning committee meeting, Councillor Greg Ead, representing the Penyrheol, Trecenydd, and Energlyn ward, expressed reservations about having an HMO in the area and raised concerns about shared access to the parking area. Many councils, including Caerphilly, enforce limitations on the number of HMOs in a neighbourhood due to the potential strain on population density, parking availability, and waste collection services.
The Welsh Government typically considers 10% of total properties in an area as the threshold for an excessive concentration of HMOs. Currently, there are three registered HMOs in the Penyrheol, Trecenydd, and Energlyn ward, which accounts for 0.1% of the properties in the area, according to case officer Lorna Berrow. However, smaller HMOs may not need to be registered with the local authority, leading to uncertainty about the total number of HMOs in the Caerphilly county borough region.
Despite these concerns, the planning committee ultimately voted in favour of granting planning permission for the conversion of 15 First Avenue into an HMO. Fourteen councillors supported the application, while two opposed it. The approval highlights the balancing act between meeting housing needs and addressing community concerns and planning regulations.
This decision underscores the importance of balancing the interests of property developers with those of local residents and authorities. With housing demands increasing, especially for affordable shared living spaces, developments like these are becoming more common. However, it is crucial to address potential impacts on the local community, such as increased population density and parking congestion, through careful planning and consideration.
As housing needs continue to evolve, local councils and developers must work collaboratively to ensure that new developments meet the needs of residents while also respecting the character and infrastructure of existing neighbourhoods. This case in Caerphilly serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in urban planning and the importance of engaging with all stakeholders to achieve sustainable and harmonious development.