Purpose

To enable the tenant to make use of the
redundant caretaker’s flat for an alternative use. The use of
the flat by a caretaker is no longer viable due to safeguarding
concerns and lack of interest in service accommodation. The flat is
not able to be let out on a private tenancy due to the inability to
create an independent access, however the tenant continues to be
liable for council tax without a change of use. The tenant has now
been granted planning permission for a change of use to ancillary
community rooms. The change of use will enable the tenant to hire
out the rooms and allow them to apply for the council tax liability
to be removed, although the rooms would instead be added to the
rateable valuation list. Landlord's consent for a change of use is
required under the terms of the lease.

Decision

Authorisation of the Director for Communities
to:
• Issue a licence to vary the permitted user clause to allow
the existing ancillary caretaker’s flat to be used as
ancillary multi-purpose community rooms.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - Grant consent for a change of use
allowing the redundant rooms to be utilised and hired out.
Option 2 - Refuse consent making the entire former flat unusable by
community groups leaving the tenant no way to cover Council Tax
liabilities.