Bedsit Conversion Recommended for Approval Despite Objections

A proposal to transform a former religious retreat into a block of bedsits is poised for approval, notwithstanding numerous objections from local residents. The planned conversion of the Xaverian Mission Spirituality Centre, located in the Fulwood area of Preston, has drawn 62 formal objections from households in the vicinity. The concerns raised encompass potential traffic impacts, assertions that the property could draw “criminal activity and antisocial behaviour,” and the view that a house of multiple occupation of this scale would be “out of keeping with the surrounding area.” Nevertheless, planning officers at Preston City Council have advised the members of its planning committee to endorse the proposed alteration. If the committee concurs, the Sharoe Green Lane property – which served as the residence for a small community of priests for 26 years until their departure during the summer – is slated for conversion into a 30-bedroom dwelling. This count represents a reduction of one room compared to the initial plans submitted, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. A report prepared for the committee states that the company developing the proposal has “indicated the proposed property would be aimed at NHS staff working in the nearby Royal Preston Hospital.” However, officers have pointed out that this suggestion is “merely an indication at this stage.” The single individual who contacted the council in support of the proposal cited a demand for “more affordable homes for young people.” The report further indicates that highways officials from Lancashire County Council have not raised objections to the renovation, based on the presence of 31 car parking spaces within the premises and their evaluation that the anticipated number of journeys generated by the conversion is “not expected to have a severe impact on the local highway network.” It also observes that minimum housing standards have been satisfied and concludes that the development is deemed “suitable,” and would not impose “an unacceptable impact” on adjacent residents.