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Planning permission will be granted
in buildings, or the redevelopment of sites, to flats.
There is a continuing increase in the
total number of households in Northern Ireland. Conversion of larger
and mainly older houses to flats is a regular occurrence in
settlements and can make a useful contribution to meeting the
housing needs of small households.
However, in certain areas the development of flats has led to
environmental problems. It is, therefore, necessary to control the
location of flat conversions, in the interest of orderly land use
change, protection of amenity and prevention of traffic or parking
congestion. In some towns, Flat Policy Areas, will be designated
through the development plan system. In these areas there will be a
presumption in favour of flat development, subject to normal
planning and environmental considerations.
This policy is aimed at increasing the number of small dwelling
units. It may also lead to the improvement of large, older property
no longer suitable for single family accommodation and a more
efficient use of land. It will also act to conserve family-sized
dwellings, control the spread of flat conversions, and maintain the
character of existing residential areas.
Proposals will be considered in relation to the location, nature of
accommodation being provided, accessibility and availability of
parking space. Flat conversions may have to be refused if serious
traffic risks cannot be avoided. Planning permission will not be
granted for the sub-division of a small house into flats, if this
would result in substandard dwellings lacking normal facilities, or
where the provision of normal facilities and reasonable standards
would require a disproportionate extension. This will prevent the
loss of good housing accommodation and protect the character of an
area.
The orientation, siting and internal arrangements of the building or
buildings in a flat development should be such that each flat has
adequate daylight and the privacy and amenity of nearby residential
properties are safeguarded.
Car parking should as far as possible be located to the rear or side
of properties and not in front gardens. Landscaping schemes and the
provision of private amenity space within the site, sufficient to
provide bin storage, external storage facilities and sitting out
areas, will be required.
More detailed guidance on low rise apartment developments in
existing residential areas is given in
Development Control Advice
Note 8 entitled Small Unit Housing. The conversion of a large house
in the countryside into flats will depend on individual
circumstances. While no new building may result, the additional
residential use and associated traffic and pressure on services will
have an impact which could be harmful to the rural character of an
area. Conversion of listed houses to flats will be evaluated in
relation to impact on the character of buildings. |
