Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration

19 Conversions

The conversion of houses to flats will be permitted in the towns and large villages, except in the following locations:

  • in roads where a significant proportion of the houses originally built as single family dwellings are already converted (or have permission for conversion) to flats or other uses. Here a concentration of converted properties in a part of the road will normally be avoided;
  • in roads where traffic movement would be hindered and the safety of road users and pedestrians prejudiced;
  • in small houses with an internal floor area of less than 110 sq. m; and
  • in terraced houses over 110 sq. m (internal area), unless they contain three or more bedrooms.

The conversion of other buildings to incorporate flats or houses will be permitted:

  • in town and local centres, subject to an appropriate mix and balance with other uses being achieved;
  • in residential areas of towns and large villages, subject to the retention of necessary local facilities;
  • in selected small villages in the Green Belt and the Rural Area (under Policies 6 and 8); and
  • as the reuse of buildings in the countryside (under Policy 110).

The Council will also take steps to encourage the reuse of vacant commercial premises and floors above shops in town and local centres for housing.

All conversions must be designed to a high standard, taking full account of the character of the area. Conversions which would adversely affect the architectural or historic character of a listed building and/or its setting will not be acceptable.

In particular where flats are provided, the following criteria must also be satisfied:

  1. flats should be self-contained;
  2. flats should have a reasonably convenient layout, having due regard to neighbours;
  3. the layout should include adequate amenities, such as refuse disposal facilities, drying areas and proper access to outdoor amenity space: outdoor amenity space should be provided wherever possible, and most particularly where houses would be converted;
  4. flats should have a reasonable amount of internal space;
  5. flats should be adequately insulated to limit the transmission of noise; and
  6. unless the building is within easy walking distance of a wide range of facilities, services and passenger transport, convenient off-street car parking should be provided in accordance with the guidelines set out in Appendix 5 of the Plan. It must be done without detracting from the amenity and character of the property itself or the neighbouring properties. In particular the parking should be landscaped, retaining established trees and where possible shrubs, and should not dominate any gardens. Off-site or prominent front garden parking which spoils the street scene will not be acceptable.

The conversion of large flats into smaller ones will normally be permitted if the criteria covering the standard of conversion (1) - (6) above are met.

For more information please see the Local Plan