Sudbury Society Response to DC/21/00783 | partial change of use from A1 retail to C3 residential use

DC/21/00783 | External alterations and partial change of use from A1 retail to C3 residential use, to form 2no. dwellings at ground floor and 4no. dwellings at first floor, with associated communal spaces

The Sudbury Society has looked at the application and is not opposed to the principle of change of use proposed but we are concerned about some of the details within the application.

• None of the proposed units are disabled friendly as even the Ground floor flats are only accessible up steps and we feel this is completely inappropriate.
• The building because of its position has poor natural lighting and hence ventilation. One of the ground floor flats has only 1 window and no external ventilation to the bedroom area. On the first floor, apt 5 has only 1 window and relies on sealed rooflights for other daylighting.
• Our other major concern is the question of waste disposal. All 6 apartments will rely on an internal non ventilated rubbish store which is not an acceptable situation and clearly, no thought has been given to the practicalities of who will be responsible for putting bins out and this is not an acceptable solution for 6 apartments which by their design and characteristics almost certainly will become part of the rental housing stock.

In light of these issues, we would object to the proposed development, but with better attention to detail we would support the change of use.
Sam Thornton
For and on behalf of the Sudbury Society