Concerns from residents at plan to turn Doncaster house into five flats

The house (white) could become five self contained flats

Councillors are set to decide on a scheme submitted by Alicia Beardsall to convert a property on Auckland Road, Wheatley, which is set in a conservation area.

The development also includes three parking spaces at the front of the property and three spaces around the back where cars will have to access through a gate.

Doncaster Council passed a motion which brings application to the planning committee if a developer wants to convert a single home into five or more contained living spaces.

Planning officers have received 21 formal letters of objection which included concerns around reduced living standards, lack of parking, litter, anti-social behaviour and litter concerns.

But DMBC planning officer Andrea Suddes said the application ‘would not cause undue harm to neighbouring properties, heritage assets, the highway network or the wider character of the area’.

Ms Suddes is recommending councillors on the planning committee grant the application.

In a letter to the council, objector Faye Williamson said: “We already have our share of flats and rooms let by absentee landlords. Agents don’t take steps to keep the property tidy outside. When people move out they discard furniture and rubbish in the street and alley.

“There are several other large properties for sale on Auckland Road if this plan was given approval, no doubt the others would also have to be allowed.”

Kate Fox, another resident who raised an objection, said: “A conservation area needs to protect more than just the front facade of buildings, the building’s use in a residential environment should be reflected in the context of a conservation area.

“Another five flats in the street will not enhance this in any way.”

DMBC planning officer Andrea Suddes, said: “There are no material planning considerations that would significantly or demonstrably outweigh the social, economic or environmental benefits of the proposal in this location.

“The development would not cause undue harm to neighbouring properties, heritage assets, the highway network or the wider character of the area.

“The proposal is compliant with the development plan and there are no material considerations which indicate the application should be refused.”

Councillors will have the final say at a meeting at Civic Office on Waterdale. The meeting starts at 2pm.