South Holland District Council rejects HMOs and bedsit plan for Long Sutton building
Controversial plans to transform a Grade II listed building into accommodation for 31 people have been rejected.
IMN Properties wanted to turn 39 and 43 West Street in Long Sutton — the Natwest Bank and Brenchley House — into two Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and a bedsit.
The proposal met with fierce opposition from residents, who raised a string of concerns relating to the impact on services, parking, refuse collection and the impact on the town’s Conservation Area.
South Holland District Council’s planning team ruled against the plans — arguing the scheme would do ‘significant harm’ to the historic building and would not lead to a well-designed living space for future residents.
A report drawn up to explain the decision stated that the proposal would in fact ‘contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre’ but stated: “However, the impact of the proposed internal works on the remaining historic fabric and architectural significance of the buildings has not been adequately assessed and clear and convincing justification for the works has not been provided, to which substantial weight is attached.
“Moreover, the development would not create a well-designed place with a high standard of amenity for future users to which substantial weight it attached.
“The proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and there would be no detriment to highway safety. However, these matters would not outweigh the significant harm identified with regards to the effect on heritage assets and future users.”
The new accommodation would have catered for a total of 31 residents split between the two properties — with existing office space to be lost from the site.
Long Sutton Parish Council contested the plans and the way in which the application was handled by South Holland District Council.
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