HMO plans for former office space set for approval despite concerns about the impact on the Conservation Area and local businesses

Plans to convert disused office space in the town centre into a HMO could be approved next week – despite concerns about the impact such a development could have on the Conservation Area.

The application, which will be go before Wrexham Council’s planning committee next Monday, proposes that 61 Regent Street is converted into a five bedroom HMO (House Multiple Occupancy).

As reported last month, the vacant property is located on a row of offices (including Wrexham.com) in the conservation area of 61 Regent Street. Previously the property was home to ISP Architects, however the building has been vacant for around three years.

The application has been recommended for approval and if the committee back the plans, the current office space on the first floor would be converted into four bedrooms and a communal bathroom. On the ground floor one bedroom facing the road, a communal room, communal kitchen, toilet and communal shower would be created.

The current number of six parking spaces at the rear of the property would also be retained plus secure bike and bin storage created.

However concerns about the application have been raised by Offa Community Council, who have objected to the proposals due to the property’s location in a Conservation Area.

In it objection, the Community Council states: “The change to the frontage will have a significant detrimental impact on this important terrace of professional businesses on Regent Street and to introduce a HMO use into a traditional non-residential area of established
businesses would not be in keeping with the Conservation Area.”

Three further letters of objection were also submitted, based on the impact that introducing residential accommodation into a row of business / commercial traders could have on those who work there.

Such comments include concern about clients who use the offices feeling “uncomfortable continuing to use the business if they feel intimidated”, a “negative impact upon the amenity and occupiers of 59 – 65 due to rights of way and land ownership” and that a “residential property could result in unsightly non-business activities and sights.”

Further concerns are also raised about the lack of parking provision at the rear of the property, which is already “filled to capacity” for the businesses on that row”.

It is also noted that the local member, Cllr Phil Wynn, was notified of the application but there is no feedback either for or against listed in the report.

Commenting on the impact the proposals could have on the Conservation Area, the head of environment and planning states in his report that “the assessment notes that the elevations of some of the buildings of the group have been regrettably altered and encourages the reinstatement of traditional features through the Development Control process”.

He continues onto say: “Currently the proposed works fail to ensure either the retention of existing features or the accurate reinstatement of those that have been previously removed.

“The proposals therefore fail to accord with guidance set out within the adopted assessment and fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

“In order to make the scheme more acceptable I have requested additional information from the applicant to provide additional drawings / details to ensure the proposed windows are acceptable in terms of design and materials and excluding the use of UPVC windows and rainwater goods.

“These details will be required prior to determination.”

Commenting on the parking concerns, the head of environment and planning notes that the highways department have made no objections to the proposals and that the “parking provision is
acceptable and the site is located in a sustainable location with easy walking distance to public transport and the town centre.”

He also adds: ” With regard to parking and noise to residents I would make the following comments. Whilst I appreciate cars may be blocked in on occasions that management of the car park will be a private matter for the various properties that have an interest in the car
park.

“The potential for on-street parking problems in this area as a result of the development is low given the existing traffic regulation orders in place.”

The report concludes: “I am satisfied the proposals are acceptable, and comply with the relevant policies, provide adequate parking in a sustainable location and provide a rear area for waste disposal.

“Subject to the additional information in relation to the elevational works being provided, I am satisfied that the scheme will enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. I would not anticipate the use having an impact on the adjoining commercial / business uses.”

The application will be debated by members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee at 4pm on Monday 2nd October. For those who can’t make the meeting, it will be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.