A Lancaster house that has traditionally been occupied by church clergy is to become a home for catholic students at Lancaster University.
Permission has been granted to turn St Bernadette’s Parish House, on Bowerham Road, into a seven-bedroom home of multiple occupancy for students.
Lancaster City Council’s planning committee granted permission for the change at a planning meeting earlier this week.
A report for councillors said: “This application seeks planning permission for the change-of-use of the parish house to a seven -bed house of multiple occupancy. Also proposed is the installation of replacement doors and windows, conversion of the garage to a bicycle store and shed.
“The property is no longer required to house clergy. The diocese and parish require an effective new use to provide income for the upkeep of the site and to sustain the church’s mission.
‘’The applicant wishes for the property to be occupied by Catholic students recruited and vetted with the Lancaster University chaplaincy.’’
But 30 thirty letters of objection were received, as residents raised concerns such as safeguarding, emergency access to the nearby schools, parking and road safety, anti-social behaviour, litter and other uses for the building not being considered.
The planning report added: “Originally the application was proposed for 10 people and the communal facilities were inadequate for this size. Amended plans have been received with the proposal changed to seven single bedrooms. The level of communal living facilities is now considered acceptable for the number of people.”
A planning report discussed by councillors said: “The property is well set-back from the road and the properties on the opposite side of Bowerham Road. No new window openings are proposed. The property is already in residential use. As such, there would be no new overlooking impact towards the school.
‘’Furthermore, the parish house is at a lower ground level than the school, and there is established vegetation screening between the two sites. Due to the nature of the use, proposed occupants, and management by the diocese, of which the school and church is part of, no adverse impacts are anticipated with safeguarding or anti-social behaviour.
‘’On balance, the plan is acceptable in terms of impact on residential amenity and is compatible with surrounding land uses.”
Upon being put to the vote, 9 councillors voted in favour of the proposal with 3 against and 2 abstentions, with the application approved, subject to a number of conditions.
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