Portadown HMO refusal reason is formally adopted
A refusal reason has formally been adopted in relation to a planning application for a house in multiple occupancy (HMO) in Portadown.
The application was for a change of use from a dwelling at 6 Goban Street to a five-bedroom HMO, to accommodate up to five tenants.
That there are already 38 HMOs in Portadown – by far the highest concentration of HMOs in the ABC Borough – including one for up to 10 tenants just across the street from the proposed new one, in a street that has only nine properties, did nothing to encourage ABC Planning committee members to approve this application, when it was discussed at a Planning & Regulatory Services committee meeting held on June 3.
The matter was mentioned again at the July 1 committee meeting, as a form of words had to be formally agreed to justify planning refusal.
Principal Planning Officer, Roisin Hamill told committee members: “This application is for a proposed change of use from a dwelling to a five-person, five-bedroom HMO and construction of a single-storey rear extension.
“Members will recall this application was originally presented to committee on June 3, with a recommendation to approve.
“At that meeting it was agreed by members to overturn the officer’s recommendation and refuse the application, subject to bringing the application back before members to agree the reasons for refusal.
“The reason as set out in the report has been prepared by officers, having regard to the discussions held at the June meeting of the planning committee. Officers are recommending that members agree the refusal reason as set out.”
Councillor Kyle Moutray (DUP) indicated he was happy with the form of words arrived at in the report: “It was myself that made the proposal to refuse this application, and yes, I viewed the report and I’m content with the wording.
“It was made on the basis that it would cause demonstrable harm by way of over concentration, and the adverse impact that would have on the character of the immediate area. So, I’m content with that wording.”
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Cllr Moutray went on to propose the recommendation to approve the wording contained within the officers’ report. His proposal was seconded by Councillor Ian Wilson (DUP).
Likewise, a planning application for an HMO at 25 Tandragee Road, Portadown, was refused at the June 3 Planning meeting, and a form of words had to be approved at the July 1 meeting of the same committee, to justify such a decision.
The principal planning officer told committee members: “This application is for a proposed change of use from a dwelling to a six-person, six-bedroom HMO on the Tandragee Road.
“This application was also presented to committee on June 3 with a recommendation to approve, and at that meeting it was agreed by members to overturn the officer’s recommendation and refuse the application, subject to bringing the application back before members to agree the reason for refusal.
“Officers recommend that members agree the refusal reason as set out.”
The proposed wording being the same to justify planning refusal, Cllr Moutray proposed the recommendation to approve it. His proposal was seconded by Councillor Ian Wilson.