Residents can now park outside their rented HMO accommodation in Shinfield, Wokingham, thanks to ETPlanning’s organisation and reference to a parking survey which was submitted alongside a recent planning application.
Parking was an important part of this retrospective planning application for the change of use of a semi-detached family dwelling in Shinfield to become an HMO with seven bedrooms. Due to the occupancy levels, it was necessary for four parking spaces to be provided for the seven residents who now live in the property.
ETPlanning’s reference of the National Planning Policy Framework, the Ministerial Statement for Growth and the Development Plan for Wokingham Borough Council were a pivotal part of this planning application as they all refer to their support for sustainable development. Due to the site making efficient use of being within a Major Development Location the application for the change of use to an HMO was also favourable in order to reduce the pressure on countryside and green belt locations.
For the planning application to be approved it was imperative to evidence and reference similar HMO developments nearby and include a parking study. The Council originally insisted on 7 parking spaces due to the local neighbourhood plan which states that there should be one parking space per bedroom unless a parking survey is completed. ETPlanning therefore organised for a parking study to be completed which justified the four parking spaces proposed . The application also made note to the fact that there was still enough outside space for cars to turn around in order to avoid reversing out onto the main road. The application has subsequently been accepted by the Council and the permission granted under delegated powers.
