A Newport office building will change into an eight-bedroom HMO after approval, featuring en suites and separate entrances.
The building shares space with historical sites, located near a Grade II listed building in a place with archaeological significance. The ground floor used to be a training center, while the upper floors once housed offices.
Rear amenity space is planned, including two bike racks and designated waste areas. Approval came with strings attached: developers must support local infrastructure through a Section 106 agreement. This agreement helps provide services such as housing and transport.
The decision happened February 13. Highways had parking and waste concerns but did not formally object. The Heritage Officer wanted window detail conditions to protect the building’s setting.
Environmental Health had no issues overall but advised increasing fire safety standards due to ground-floor businesses. Noise insulation is a must for the project. One councillor worried about cycle storage and waste disposal.
The plan follows HMO policy H8 rules. The planned conversion meets four key rules: it fits the area, avoids impacts on character, limits noise, and provides good living conditions. The living space is smallish, but acceptable.
Minor changes need more details, though, involving new doors and windows. They don’t require parking downtown here; instead, they will provide bike parking. Four cycle spaces will be included.
A waste management plan is now needed. Window designs must be submitted, and no surface water will drain to sewers. Builders must manage waste, sound, and cycle storage, and working hours are limited. Bathrooms will have frosted windows, and they must improve biodiversity too.