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.
Morecambe likened to 'paradise' as BBC Breakfast TV visits for Eden Project report
Annual 'March of the Mods' in Morecambe raises £13K for Teenage Cancer Trust
Bonmarche speaks out after scammers sparked fears for future of Morecambe store
Carnforth 1940s weekend will celebrate 80 years of Brief Encounter film
End of an era as Carnforth high street takeaway shuts
'Tiny Bowland Tower' stunt helps Lancaster University student radio station win big at awards
Lancaster WH Smith to be renamed after £76m sale of UK stores
Post Office branch to remain in Morecambe under new franchise deal
Beyond Radio presenter speaks out after gang's violent threats on Morecambe cycle track
Land purchased for community farm in Lancaster
Fire crews deal with road traffic collision in Morecambe
Widespread damage caused as vandals target Morecambe primary school
Town centre road in Kirkby Lonsdale closed after fire is now open
Lancaster youth charity announces local NHS stalwart as new Chair
PHOTOS: New Prom Fest music festival pulls crowds to sunny Morecambe
PHOTOS: Flower bed planting scheme brings beautiful colours to Eric Morecambe Statue
Lancaster man jailed for sexually assaulting woman
Man jailed for life for murder of man in Heysham
Plans revealed for new McDonalds restaurant in Morecambe
Morecambe music charity’s work celebrated by The King at Windsor Castle reception
