Plans to convert a residential property in Neath into separate flats have been approved by the local council, despite calls to reject the proposal over fears of parking and traffic "chaos" in the area.
The proposals could see a three-bedroom house in Lewis Road, Neath, turned into two self-contained flats, with one located at ground floor level and the other on the first floor. The plans would also include the creation of three new parking spaces at the rear of the property in Hillside.
Details of the conversion plans
According to the report, "Internally, work would involve the reconfiguration of the existing accommodation to create two separate residential units, each containing two bedrooms and associated living room, kitchen, and bathroom facilities." It added that no extensions or alterations to the overall footprint or roof of the building are proposed.
Each of the proposed flats would have their own private amenity space, with the rear garden divided into separate areas for the occupiers.
Concerns raised by councillors
While recommended for approval by officers, the plans were called in to a planning committee by local ward members who cited "insufficient" parking in the street, which could add to the "chaos already witnessed there at present."
Speaking on behalf of residents, councillor Carl Jordan said Lewis Road had become a "rat run" due to the amount of local traffic using it to avoid queuing at Cimla Road, with parking at a premium. He also felt the subdivision would represent an intensification of use at the site, with residents already competing with traffic from two nearby convenience stores and a busy vets practice.
Cllr Jordan said: "Whilst I acknowledge the need for a range of housing options across the county I have significant concerns regarding the impact this proposal would have on the character of the area, the parking provision which is currently there, highways safety, and residential amenity."
Decision and parking conditions
Planning officers said residents from the flats would be entitled to apply for two parking permits for Lewis Road on a first-come, first-served basis, alongside a condition with the approval to create the three new parking spaces at the rear. They said this was deemed acceptable from a parking standards point of view and a betterment when compared to the existing dwelling, which had no designated spaces.
Following discussions between councillors and officers, the plans for the new flats were approved after a vote of seven members to three.
