A PLANNING application has been drawn up seeking permission to convert a business centre into a house of multiple occupation (HMO).
Plans have been submitted for a change of use of 19 serviced offices at Rainhill Business Centre at Signature House, on Rainhill Road, Rainhill.
The application has been sent in by MBB Ventures Limited.
The proposals seek planning permission to use of this site as a 17-bedroom HMO.
A planning statement in the proposals states: “The applicant already owns and operates Licensed HMO’s in neighbouring Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Warrington”.
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It adds: “The applicant is committed to ensuring that the new use of the property does not have an adverse impact upon the amenity of the surrounding neighbours”, stating that they “carefully screens prospective tenants, using background, employment and credit references”.
He plans claim that “by reference to the local Public Register of HMOs, there is not an over-concentration of HMOs in this area”.
The statement adds that “Rainhill Business Centre has experienced continuing occupancy reduction over the past 12 months to such an extent that it is no longer commercially viable”.
The application claims “the change of use of this site from an existing office building to a 17-bedroom HMO will reduce the current parking demand”.
Plans state: “As a business centre, the property is the only non-residential property on the section of Rainhill Road between Warrington Road junction to Tasker Terrace / Ritherup Lane junctions.
“The proposal will fully respect the residential character of the locality with no compromise to the surrounding environment through diligent management and minimal external changes”.
It is added that plans do “not propose any alterations to the external appearance at the front of the property (street scene) and minimal changes to the rear and sides of the property”.
Plans conclude: “It will meet a recognised housing need in a sustainable location” adding “the proposed use will be in keeping with the residential character of the surrounding area”.
Some objections to the plans have already been lodged by residents against the plans, with concerns over parking among the complaints raised.
The application remains on consultation to the public until Tuesday, November 12.
A decision on the plans is expected by December 13.
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