<< Back to Contents APPENDIX 2 - FLAT CONVERSIONS       19. The Council will resist the conversion to flats of smaller detached or semi-detached suburban properties which are suitable for single family occupation. The following standards will be applied to proposals for the conversion of larger properties to residential flats.       Internal Standards 20. All flats must be fully self-contained with their own kitchen, bathroom and toilet. 21. Rooms within flats must be of adequate size for the purpose proposed. The submission of drawings indicating sample furniture layouts may be required in some instances. Suggested minimum room sizes are as follows;   Room Function Sq. m Sq. ft Lounge 11.1 120 Main Bedroom 10.2 110 Second Bedroom 4.7 50 Kitchen 5.6 60 Bathroom 3.7 40     22. Where living rooms and kitchens are combined, the room size required will be the total of the sizes set out above for each room. Combined bedrooms and kitchen/living rooms will not be acceptable. Natural daylighting is required to kitchen areas. 23. Internal circulation within flats must provide a maximum degree of convenience and safety for occupiers. The inability of property to provide a suitably convenient form of conversion will constitute a reason for refusal of permission. 24. The principal rooms of each flat should have an acceptable outlook. The provision of flats with living rooms whose only outlook is over rear yards or with no view at all is unlikely to be acceptable. 25. The conversion of any property must be designed to achieve the minimum loss of privacy and amenity for neighbouring residents.       External Standards 26. In general it is preferable that conversions should be carried out within the existing shell of a building. However small extensions and alterations will be permitted where these can integrate with the character of the existing building and its surroundings, where the amenities of the adjoining residents are not impaired and where other recommended standards (car parking, amenity areas, refuse disposal) are not prejudiced. 27. A minimum external amenity/drying area of 9.3 sq. m (100 sq. ft) should be provided for all conversions. The proposed area should be functional in shape and reasonably accessible for the occupants of all units. A condition will be imposed requiring these facilities to be available for all occupants at all times. In mid-terraced situations, developers should consider the use of basements for rear access, additional storage space, laundry etc. 28. Bin storage areas shall be provided for the occupants of all units. In exceptional circumstances, provision may be made at the front of the premises subject to adequate space being available and the provision of satisfactorily designed containers.       Basement Flats 29. Basements are generally considered to be unacceptable for the creation of flats for permanent residential occupation as they have a poor outlook, inadequate natural daylighting and can be subject to flooding. There may of course be exceptions where the levels and amount of ground around the property make a basement suitable for conversion and these cases will be dealt with on their merits. The attention of developers is drawn to the comments above regarding alternative uses of basements in flat conversion proposals.       Noise Transmission 30. All conversions must minimise noise transmission to adjoining properties and other floors by the design of the internal layout and by physical insulation measures where these are required and are practicable. Particular regard will be paid to the juxtaposition of living rooms and bedrooms both vertically and horizontally. 31. Conditions will be imposed requiring noise insulation measures where appropriate. 32. Where a proposal is likely to result in significant noise transmission to adjoining occupants or is likely to be detrimental to their amenities, this will constitute a reason for refusal of permission.       Car Parking 33. Car parking will be required in accordance with the Council's current standards and local plan policies. 34. Where all other factors are favourable, lack of car parking will not itself constitute a justification for the refusal of permission. There may, however, be areas where the existing problem of on-street parking and resultant congestion may dictate refusals. 35. A condition will be imposed requiring the car parking spaces to be available for all occupants at all times.       Fire Escapes 36. External fire escapes can be unsightly and often interfere with the outlook and privacy of residents. Whilst it is important that all flat conversions meet the appropriate fire precautions, wherever possible the City Council will encourage alternative means of escape such as internal lobby doors or emergency doors in party walls.         Top of chapter