3 High Street, Baldock, SG7 6AZ

conversion of part ground floor from commercial use (Class E) to residential use to create a single dwelling

Authority: North Hertfordshire District Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: Stephens K

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposed residential development on the vitality and viability of Baldock town centre and its Secondary Shopping Frontage

What decided it

The unit's extended vacancy since 2018, lengthy marketing period exceeding policy thresholds, physical constraints limiting commercial appeal, and the Framework's encouragement of residential development in town centres to maintain vitality outweighed the policy conflict with ETC5.

Framework references: 90

Plan policies cited: Policy ETC5

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