Retrospective plan for counselling office approved despite objections

​Carolyn Knaggs’ retrospective proposal for alterations and the conversion of a former shed into a commercial studio for her mental health counselling business has been given the go-ahead.

​The proposals for the ground-floor property at 1 Royal Crescent in Scarborough received 12 objections from locals and Scarborough Town Council as well as 25 letters of support from residents.

​The retrospective conversion of the former shed included internal and external works, including the removal of an internal wall and the erection of a repositioned partition wall.

​The external works included partially raising a roof, formation of a partial flat roof and the removal of a door and window, which were replaced by a set of dual French doors.

The counselling practice has operated quietly and without complaint for more than three years, according to submitted plans, and has contributed “positively to the local community’s well-being”.

​“The use of one room within the property is minimal and causes no disturbance or amenity issues, and the applicant operates as a sole practitioner, with the practice currently running an average of eight counselling sessions per week.”

​Scarborough Town Council objected to the proposal, stating that “the use would result in increased noise, amenity and business-related activity, and additional pressure on local residential parking provision”.

​However, the Highway Authority raised no objections and noted that the scale and use was “not anticipated to generate significant additional traffic”.

​The proposal also received 11 objections from members of the public and 25 letters of support.

​Residents’ objections raised concerns about highway safety, impact on the historic environment, ‘inappropriate use’ of the area, and public safety.

​Locals who supported the proposal said they had not experienced an increase in traffic, noise, disturbance or anti-social behaviour and that the converted room is “not in public view, is sufficiently private, and in a discrete location”.

​Planners said the development was considered to be acceptable in principle and that physical alterations were “not considered to be detrimental in terms of design or visual amenity”.

​They added: “The nature of the use is one which is not inherently noisy or disruptive, with pre-arranged 1-2-1 sessions which are currently limited in number.”

​The application was approved by North Yorkshire Council, subject to conditions.