PLANS to turn an old Crediton warehouse into a 10-bedroom HMO and to refurbish two adjoining shops have been given the thumbs-up.

Ian Roberts has been granted planning permission to convert the vacant and dilapidated building on Exeter Road, which was once “used for many years as a surplus military warehouse and workshop”.

The house in multiple occupation will be 389.5 square metres in size and have 10 en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen, a living/dining room and a garden room.

There will be seven car parking spaces and five bicycle parking spaces. Each room tenant will have their own individual mailbox and key. The rooms will be available to rent for social, affordable or intermediate rent prices.

Two commercial units on site can also now be refurbished.

“The site is located within the settlement boundary of Crediton and is considered to be a sustainable location for residential and commercial development,” said Mid Devon District Council, approving the plans.

“Whilst limited evidence has been provided of the specific need for HMO accommodation in Crediton, it is recognised that policy S1 supports the delivery of a wide choice of high quality homes through a diverse housing mix and by meeting the housing needs of all sectors of the community.

“Furthermore, given the council’s significant undersupply of housing, it is considered that the provision of this form of residential accommodation can be offered positive weight in the planning balance.

“The development enables the existing buildings to be retained which is considered to provide a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“The proposal can also secure benefits to ecology and biodiversity net gain enhancements which can be offered positive weight in the planning balance.

“The proposal is not considered to result in any harm in terms of impacts to highways, parking, amenity or drainage matters.”

Crediton Town Council opposed the application, branding it “overdevelopment”, but ultimately had no say in granting or refusing permission.

It said the building was too small for 10 people, the configuration was not suitable for residential use, the rooms were too small for adequate storage or furniture, among other concerns.

One member of the public wrote to Mid Devon District Council in support of the plans. Steve Garnsworthy said Crediton “desperately needs more affordable accommodation” and the plans would “rejuvenate” the building.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

You can see the application on the district council’s website under reference 26/00208/FULL.