PLANNERS have ruled that a property previously used for offices in Warwick Road in Carlisle can have three more bedsits added.

Officers at Cumberland Council decided to grant retrospective planning permission so that it can be used as a house of multiple occupation (HMO) which can accommodate 14 people.

According to the decision notice, which was published on Monday (June 10), permission was granted as long as the developer complies with the submitted planning documentation.

In addition, the notice states that the occupation of the approved 14 bedrooms shall be occupied on 'a single occupancy basis only'.

A separate report states: “The approved plans illustrated 11 bedrooms in the property as well as a shared kitchen, lounge, tearoom and two bathrooms.

“The current application now seeks consent to vary condition 2 (approved documents) of previously approved permission 14/0275 to amend the internal layout to accommodate 14 persons.

“The submitted plans illustrate that 14 bedrooms will be provided over three floors. Every bedroom will have an en-suite and 12 bedrooms will also have cooking facilities.

“The remaining two rooms will have access to a shared kitchen provided on the ground floor. Externally it is proposed to replace a storeroom door on the side elevation with an obscured glazed window.

“The use of the property as a HMO been implemented and the principle of development remains acceptable.

"The revisions to the internal layout and living conditions of neighbouring residents of the revised scheme, together with impact upon the highway network and flooding, are discussed in more detail.”