Decision made on plans to turn Blackpool house into holiday accommodation

Planners at Blackpool have thrown out proposals to turn a three-bedroom house in South Shore into holiday accommodation have been lodged with planners.

The applicants were seeking planning permission for a change of use of the existing residential property at 5 Hill Street, Blackpool, from Class C3 (residential dwelling) to self-contained serviced holiday accommodation.

Holiday Accommodation planning guidelines establish a clear presumption against new holiday accommodation outside designated areas, unless exceptional circumstances justify such a departure.

This is particularly the case given Blackpool’s current housing shortage.

The applicants argued that a number of such exceptional circumstances support these proposals.

This includes an observation that Hill Street and immediate surroundings exhibit a mix of residential and commercial uses, with a less established permanent residential community than purely residential streets.

And a Management Plan, on behalf of applicant Louise Crichlow, includes details on house rules and client behaviour, as well as details of strict booking controls.

However, the planning officer stated: “The scheme would create self-contained serviced holiday accommodation with no on-site management in a terraced property,  in an area which is primarily occupied by permanent residential properties and has predominantly residential character.

“The type of accommodation proposed in this location would likely have a detrimental impact on the character of the area and the amenity of neighbouring residents due to the activity associated with holiday use and the lack of any on-site management to deal with any disturbances in a timely manner.

“The proposed change of use would also result in the loss of an existing residential dwelling at a time when the Council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land, and is in a position of severe housing need.

“No other benefits have been identified that would outweigh the harm of housing loss.”