Student home set to be approved
PLANS to significantly extend a home in Ormskirk to house 12 students are due to be passed by councillors.
Proposals have been put forward to make various extensions to the home in Aughton Street, by raising the roof and by building a two-storey side extension and a two-storey rear extension, to provide a total of 12 bedrooms for students.
Objections have been raised by neighbouring residents and a petition with 43 signatures has been submitted to councillors.
The main reasons for concern are an over development of the site, inadequate car parking and increased noise disturbance.
But the assistant director for planning, John Harrison, believes that the principle of development on the site is acceptable.
In his report to councillors, he said: “The application is for a substantial extension with little of the existing property remaining. The property would be extended to add an additional storey in order to provide a total of 12 bedrooms – six on the ground floor and six on the first floor – for use by students.
“I consider that on balance, in this particular location an increase in the number of students residing on the premises would not increase noise and disturbance to a point which would warrant refusal of the application.
“The principle of allowing an extension to the existing HMO is acceptable.
“Whilst there would be an increase in the number of students residing on the premises, given the application site location, in a busy part of Ormskirk where there is already a degree of activity, on balance the proposed development would not increase noise and disturbance or impact on the amenities of nearby residents to a level which would warrant refusal of the application.
“Adequate car parking is also provided.”
A final decision on the application is due to be made at the planning committee meeting on June 21.