AN APPLICATION seeking permission for the use of a property as a house of multiple occupation has been granted.

A bid for a certificate of lawfulness for the proposed change of use at a house on Maxwell Street, St Helens was sent to the council's planning department.

Planning agents AM Architectural Studios Ltd drew up the application on behalf of applicant Wei Teck Ho.

A certificate of lawfulness is a means of obtaining a decision from a planning authority that a proposed use or works do not require planning permission.

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In a report, planning officer Kim Vo said: "The Local Planning Authority are satisfied that the proposed change of use of the existing dwellinghouse under Class C3 to a small HMO under Class C4 at the application site would constitute as permitted development and would not require planning permission, providing it is not occupied by more than 6 residents at any one time.

"A Certificate of Lawfulness can therefore be granted."