Plan to turn St Michael’s Mission Room into flats rejected

Hillrow Homes had wanted to convert the former St Michael’s Mission Room into flats.

But district planners said the proposed ground floor flat would result in a “poor living environment” for future residents because its windows would open directly onto neighbouring driveways and bin storage areas.

Neighbours had raised concerns about the lack of parking at the property, 51 Howsell Road, saying its conversion to flats would impact on surrounding streets.

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It was also pointed out that construction work would be impossible without access to a neighbouring property.

Malvern Hills District Council planning officers said in their decision statement: “The ground floor flat’s bedroom, dining and kitchen windows face onto land that is not owned by the applicant.

“The bedroom windows face onto the parking area for 53 Howsell Road and 89 Frederick Road. “With the removal of the rear extension, there will be a gap of approximately 1 metre from the first bedroom window. However, the second bedroom window would be directly adjacent to the bins for 53 Howsell Road.

“Future occupiers will be overlooked and will result in a loss of privacy from the parking and bin area.

“In addition, there are noise and odour concerns from the bins and cars.”

The meeting hall was once home to What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful, a charity supporting parent carers of children with additional needs.

Other previous users include the British Red Cross and a day nursery.

According to planning documents, the building has been vacant for a year and despite being on the lettings market, there had been no offers.

Worcestershire Highways had no objection to the scheme despite the lack of off-road parking, as the flats would’ve been in an sustainable town centre location.

Planners cited their concerns over the poor living environment for future occupants of the ground floor flat as the reason for refusal.