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POLICY H7: Provision of Flats, Nursing and Residential Homes, Hostels and Hosues in Multiple Occupation (HMOS)
 

1.  Proposals for the provision of flats, nursing or residential homes, hostels or Houses in Multiple Occupation (either within new build development or as a result of the change of use of existing property) will be permitted provided that:

a)  There would be no unacceptable increase in the level of noise or disturbance, or loss of privacy, for occupiers of neighbouring property;

b)  Any necessary vehicle parking areas would be adequate to meet the needs of the development, safe and screened and/or landscaped so as to avoid causing loss of visual amenity in the area;

c)  Bin stores, fire escapes and clothes drying areas would be adequately screened or designed so as to avoid causing loss of visual amenity;

d)  In the case of proposals to convert existing property, the property would be suitable in terms of its size and character to accommodate the development proposed; and

e)  In the case of proposals for nursing or residential homes, hostels or Houses in Multiple Occupation, the proposals would not result in:

-  An existing dwelling having a nursing home, residential home, hostel or HMO on both sides; or

-  More than 2 adjoining properties being used as a nursing home, residential home, hostel or HMO. 

2. For the avoidance of doubt, proposals for flats (whether through new-build or change of use of existing property) will be regarded as windfall housing provision and will only be permitted if this complies with the overall principles governing the release of housing sites identified in policy H1.

 

 

Explanation H7

5.53

The provision of flats (either through the conversion of existing properties or the conversion of existing single dwellings) can provide a valuable addition to the stock of housing. Nursing homes provide a high degree of nursing and medical care and are registered by the St. Helens and Knowsley Health Trust. Residential homes provide more routine care (mainly for elderly people). Hostels and Houses in Multiple Occupation provide accommodation, often for people in need, and sometimes with a degree of rehabilitation e.g. from drugs or other personal problems.

5.54

All these uses have a legitimate role to play in meeting housing needs. However, as a result of their intensity and nature they can have a greater impact on the surrounding area than other forms of residential development. The cumulative impact of several of these uses on residential areas can be particularly great. The criteria set by policy H7 are intended to ensure that such uses will only be permitted where they would have an acceptable impact on the character of the area and the amenity of the occupiers of neighbouring property.

5.55

The provision of flats is a form of windfall housing provision. This means that the amount of such development will be monitored (along with other forms of windfall housing development) to ensure that they do not have a disproportionate effect on the overall supply of housing which could prejudice the achievement of the priorities set by policy H1.

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