Great Yarmouth Borough Council has recently rejected a proposal to transform the Shemara Guest House on Wellesley Road into three maisonettes. The council expressed concerns regarding overdevelopment and the potential negative impact on the living conditions of future occupants.
During a site visit, planners discovered that the property was vacant, in poor condition, and unwelcoming to visitors. The guest house had been operating unlawfully as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), providing accommodation to seasonal agricultural workers. However, this use was brought to the attention of the environmental health department, leading to its cessation.
Two objections were raised against the plans. One objection focused on the previous unauthorized use of the property as an HMO, as well as concerns about noise and the use of an external staircase. Another objection, raised by Councillor James Dwyer-McCluskey, highlighted concerns about oppressive living conditions, potential flooding, and general amenity issues.
This is not the first time a proposal to convert the guest house has been rejected. In February, a previous application to convert the property into four self-contained one-bedroom flats was refused. The recent proposal indicated that the property was purchased by CM Agriculture in 2021, with the intention of continuing to operate it as a guest house, primarily providing temporary accommodation for seasonal agricultural workers.
However, due to concerns raised by the borough council’s environmental health department, CM Agriculture decided to close down the guest house in 2022, deeming it financially inviable.
In conclusion, the proposal to convert the Shemara Guest House into three maisonettes has been rejected by Great Yarmouth Borough Council. The concerns centered around overdevelopment and the potential adverse effects on future occupants’ living conditions. The property was previously used unlawfully as an HMO, but after environmental health intervention, this use ceased. Despite efforts by CM Agriculture to continue operating the guest house, concerns and financial factors ultimately led to its closure.
FAQ:
Q: Why was the proposal to transform the Shemara Guest House rejected?
A: The proposal was rejected due to concerns about overdevelopment and the potential negative impact on the living conditions of future occupants.
Q: What was the previous unauthorized use of the property?
A: The guest house was previously operating unlawfully as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), providing accommodation to seasonal agricultural workers.
Q: What objections were raised against the plans?
A: Two objections were raised. One focused on the previous unauthorized use of the property as an HMO, noise concerns, and the use of an external staircase. The other objection highlighted concerns about oppressive living conditions, potential flooding, and general amenity issues.
Q: Has a proposal to convert the guest house been rejected before?
A: Yes, a previous application to convert the property into four self-contained one-bedroom flats was also refused.
Definitions:
– Maisonettes: Self-contained living units that are part of a larger building and typically have their own separate entrance.
– Overdevelopment: The construction or development of buildings or properties in excess of what is considered appropriate for the area or site.
Related Links:
– Great Yarmouth Borough Council