Policy information sourced from St Albans District Local Plan

10 Loss of Residential Accommodation

Proposals which would result in a net loss of dwellings through demolition, or the loss of part or all of a dwelling by a change of use will normally be resisted. Exceptions to this policy may be made in the following circumstances:

  • where necessary to implement other site specific proposals in this Plan;
  • the loss of an ancillary dwelling may be permitted if it can be demonstrated that a separate entrance cannot be provided;
  • the loss of part of a dwelling or ancillary dwelling by change of use may be permitted if:
    • most of the property will remain in residential use and will continue to function as a viable dwelling unit; and
    • the proposal does not prevent the possible conversion of the dwelling into two or more self-contained dwellings;
  • medical, educational, religious or other uses serving the local community may be permitted where compatible with the environment of the area and where suitable non-residential properties or sites for new buildings are not available;
  • conversion of dwellings to residential hostels and institutions or bed and breakfast/guest house/ hotel accommodation may be permitted subject to Policies 62 and 99;
  • if it is impractical to retain an existing dwelling because satisfactory and viable living conditions cannot be created;
  • where there are overriding planning advantages which justify the loss of the dwelling.

For more information please see the Local Plan