Vacant pub could be turned into HMO for those “starting on housing ladder”

In Spring a planning application to convert the ground floor of the New Virginia Tavern on Rushton Road, Thornbury into an eight bed HMO was submitted to Bradford Council.

Applicants ADA Rentals Ltd said the “structural decline of the pub sector” in this area of Bradford meant it was unlikely the building would ever be used as a pub again.

As well as eight ground floor bedrooms, the development would include two shared bathrooms.

The upper floors of the building area already classed as residential.

There had been five objections to the plans, raising concerns that the HMO use could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

But the application has been approved by Bradford Council this week, with planning officers saying the residential conversion of vacant buildings reduces the need to build on Bradford’s green spaces.

Planning officers said: “The Local Plan seeks to encourage development on previously developed land as opposed to green field locations. “In this regard, it is clear that the proposed redevelopment of this now vacant public house in this part of Bradford fully accords with the aims of the Local Plan.

“The site would clearly be considered as being representative of previously developed land whilst the accessible location of the site, which itself is well served by local goods and services is also sustainable.

“Moreover, the provision of housing units in the form of a HMO provides a type of housing that those on low wages can afford.

“With regard to the objections raised, officers note that the concerns relate to the transient nature of the occupiers alongside the perceived increase in antisocial behaviour that may occur with such tenants.

“Although these concerns are valid, to the degree that antisocial behaviour harms residential amenity, the behaviour of any future occupant is not dependant upon the type of accommodation within which they reside.

“HMO accommodation is a recognised form of accommodation which provides much needed housing for both young people and those starting off on the housing ladder and officers attach minimal weight to the objections raised with regard to antisocial behaviour.”

One condition of the approval is that outside amenity space for future residents needs to be created in the rear car park space of the pub before any rooms are occupied.