Plans to convert Hightown property into HMO

A property on the outskirts of Wrexham town centre could be converted into a house in multiple occupation.

Plans have been lodged with the local authority seeking permission to turn 65 Salop Road, Hightown, into a HMO for five people.

Currently the property is described as being a ‘single dwelling’, with plans showing that there are four bedrooms spread out across the first and second floors.

As part of the proposals the lounge area at the front of the property would also be used as a bedroom.

In accompanying planning statement concerns about parking provision are addressed, with the applicants stating that the proposal is to remove the garage and create a single parking space. This would be alongside lockable space for bikes.

The statement continues onto say: “The property currently has a single garage. The LPD (Local Planning Guidance) says garages will not be counted as contributing towards on-site parking provision and thus so far as the council is concerned, there is no parking available at the site presently.

“In previous applications located near the town centre, the council and the applicant have undertaken surveys.

“In one case, the appellant in surveys carried out was able to demonstrate that the parking demand for near-to-town-centre properties was typically 10-20%.

“The inspector accepted that and was very supportive of the Welsh Government’s guidance to encourage occupiers to use non-car means of transport (eg. walking or buses)

“The application site is immediately adjacent to a local shopping parade and garage/shop. There is a large Lidl supermarket opposite.”It is about 150 metres from the Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre.

“There is a bus stop almost directly opposite the site with regular services direct to the town and the bus station.

“There are also a number of small businesses along Rivulet Road offering employment opportunities. So an occupier without access to a car would be able to manage quite easily.:

The application will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council at a later date.