Policy information sourced from St Albans District Local Plan

11 Residential Conversion

Within towns and specified settlements (see Policy 2). Proposals for the sub-division of existing dwellings and conversion of non-residential buildings to residential use shall meet the standards expected for new housing (see Policy 70). In particular the following criteria shall be complied with:

  1. the cumulative effect of conversions must not harm the character and amenity of the surrounding area;
  2. satisfactory living conditions shall be created, in particular:
    • each dwelling shall be self contained;
    • measures shall he taken to minimise noise between adjoining units. Planning permissions may be subject to a condition requiring soundproofing;
    • there should normally be access to a private or shared garden (see Policy 70, point 9);
  3. car parking provision in accordance with the residential car parking standards in Policies 40 and 43. Particular attention will be given to the loss of garden space and the visual effect of car parking within the site and potential noise disturbance to adjoining properties;
  4. extensions proposed as part of a conversion scheme will not normally be permitted unless the proposal accords with Policy 72 (extensions in residential areas).

Within the Metropolitan Green Belt (including Green Belt settlements), Criteria (1) - (4) above and the following criteria shall be complied with:

  • if an existing dwelling is to be subdivided, any extension proposed will be assessed against Policy 13 (extension or replacement of dwellings in the Green Belt);
  • the conversion of a non-residential building to residential use will not be permitted unless the development can be justified in terms of Policy 88 (new uses for historic buildings) or Policy 89 (new uses for historic agricultural buildings).

If any planning permission is granted, a condition may be imposed to limit the possibilities for future extensions.

For more information please see the Local Plan

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