PLANS to convert a Northwich property into four flats have been refused due to a lack of parking and ‘cramped’ accommodation.

Plans were submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council for a house along Winnington Lane in February of this year.

They included converting the semi-detached property into four flats – three one-bed and one two-bed.

These plans have since been refused by the council.

The original application stated the development would provide ‘much sought-after affordable accommodation’ and would refurbish a vacant house in poor condition which would be ‘difficult to sell to a single family’.   

The proposals stated the front garden would be landscaped to match others in the street and the property would be refurbished inside and out, making sure to conform to all relevant building regulations regarding those who are disabled and safety for the young.

Cheshire West Council refused to grant planning permission, one of the reasons being because of a lack of parking in the area.

A planning refusal document reads: “There are existing parking and highway safety issues within the immediate area.

“The increase in accommodation to four flats and failure to provide any parking spaces would fail to mitigate the creation of additional demand for parking, resulting in a greater obstruction of the highway and parking taking place in unsuitable locations.”

The council said the standard of accommodation provided for future occupants would be ‘unacceptable’.

The document continues: “The two-bedroom flat would be below the technical housing standards - nationally described space standards – required.

“The almost total loss of garden amenity space for the bike and bin store would also be unacceptable in relation to the original dwelling and future occupants.”

The last point for refusal states: “The proposed development would be of a scale, design and character which is visually incongruous and cramped, emphasised by the disproportionate loss of garden land.

“The cramped nature of the development, provision of four flats in an existing semi-detached dwelling and cramped space within the rear garden area for waste management provision would also manifest itself into a detrimental impact on the immediate street scene and the character of the wider area.”