Bedsits plan for High Street building wins approval

A plan to convert the top two floors of a High Street building into bedsits has been approved by Waverley Borough Council.

The application, to convert disused office space above Cafe Nero into a House of Multiple Occupation, was cleared by planners last week.

The conversion will see the top two floors of the Grade II Listed building at number 91A High Street become eight bedsits.

Waverley planning officers said in their report that the proposal would result in 'some' harm to the interior of the listed building, which was constructed in around 1800.

However, the report added: "The public benefits of the proposal are considered to be an increase in residential dwellings, particularly of this type, within the centre of Godalming and in the borough more generally.

It added: "As part of the proposal, the internal arrangement of the property has been slightly altered in order to satisfy HMO regulations. No external changes are proposed.

"Officers consider that the public benefits of the scheme would outweigh the limited harm to the listed building."

The town council has raised no objection to the plan, and Surrey County Council's highways officers were also in agreement.

As the application is for a House of Multiple Occupation it is treated as asingle dwelling in terms of parking requirements.

Waverley's parking standards and the Godalming Neighbourhood Plan require 1.5 parking spaces for a three-plus bedroom dwelling in the town centre.

There is currently one shared space for parking in the shared courtyard at the rear of the building, and no additional parking spaces will be provided.

The proposal would, however, provide a store for secure storage of bicycles for use by future occupants.

And officers point out that the site is within easy access of bus stops, and walking distance of Godalming Station.

"As such, it is considered that the site offers good access to public transport services and this would be of importance for the amenities for future occupants," the report adds.

The developer will also be required to fit a fast-charging socket for electric cars in the courtyard at the rear of the building.

The owner will need to apply to Waverley for an HMO licence before the rooms are let.