A Preston charity which helps deaf people in the city is applying to create three bedsits at its Fishwick headquarters.
AdvertisementDeafway wants to convert part of its buildings “for three bedsits to have independent access, but under the sheltered umbrella of care within the existing Deafway residential environment.”
The building work is only set to change the inside of the building on Brockholes Brow leaving the current exterior of the building the same.
Housing standards officers at Prestpon City Council have raised concerns about the proposed designs for the bedsits.
Tony Betteridge, housing standards officer, said: “If we had been involved with any pre application discussions we would of indicated the poor room arrangement. All three bedsits are a poor design with regards to the layouts of the rooms. The configuration in all three, if converted to the plans would not comply with housing standards due to egress issues, specifically in emergency egress from fire.”
Mr Betteridge goes on to raise concerns about the en suite shower rooms, lack of natural light and ventilation issues.
A spokesman for architects MCK Associates said: “We are aware of the comments, but as the currently submitted drawings are for Planning Purposes only, no specific mention is made in relation to the Building Regulations issues that the Housing Standards Officer raises.
“We have however taken such requirements fully into account, as well as a host of other deaf-specific considerations. but we are confident that his concerns can be addressed/clarified once the scheme progresses to a detailed design stage, once Planning Permission is secured.”
The plans are available to view on the city council website and comments can be left until Sunday 4 January 2015.
Anyone wishing to comment can also email devcon@preston.gov.uk quoting reference 06/2014/0912.
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