Decision details

The Flat at 47a has been vacant for some time since the previous St Leger tenant gave notice. PFG have requested to take on the unit as an addition to their current lease agreement which currently consists of one mixed use premises at 45 and the shop unit at 47 Montrose Avenue.

They are well established in the area and have developed strong working relationships with many health support providers offering mental and physical health support. By taking on the flat at 47a
it is felt this will improve and increase the level of support the team are able to offer to the community offering increased social and economic benefits to the area.

As the dwelling is currently classed as social housing with the Housing Revenue Account and sits outside of the commercial lease of no 47, Secretary of State approval is required to change the
use of this property from social housing and into a classification of a commercial property. Consultation has been carried out with neighbours living in the vicinity of 47a Montrose and the results found no objections to the residential flat becoming a commercial property. Results from the consultation are included in the consultation section.

To approve the application to the Secretary of State for a change of use from social housing to a commercial use for 47a Montrose Avenue, which if granted will allow the PFG to incorporate the
2 bed first floor property at 47a Montrose Avenue into their existing lease agreement portfolio. PFG are the current leaseholders at 45,45a & 47 Montrose Avenue.

PFG originally became the leaseholder of 45 Montrose Avenue in 2012 with a rental amount of £500 per annum. In November 2019 they were supported in becoming leaseholders of our empty commercial unit at 47 Montrose Avenue, incorporating this with that of mixed- use premises at 45 Montrose Avenue for a combined agreement with a new rental figure agreed at £1,000 per annum.

If the application for change of use for 47a Montrose Avenue is approved, then that property will be included within the existing lease agreement. They intend to use the additional unit to help
increase the support they can offer to the community. They work very closely with St Leger Homes & key partners such as the local NHS Housing to provide ongoing support to service users.

Previously the flat at 47a was let as social housing until June 2023 and has been vacant since, the rent when tenanted was £74.70 per week resulting in income of £3,884.40 per annum. It is important to note that changing the flat to a commercial use will also require planning permission to be applied for and secured before the flat can be used for commercial purposes.

Option 1 – Approve the decision to apply to the Secretary of State for a change of use for the property (recommended option)

Option 2 – Reject proposal and relet via Homechoice as a social housing dwelling.