6.1  Within the Borough, there are a number of large houses, many of which have already been subdivided into smaller dwellings. The reuse and adaptation of larger dwellings can help contribute to housing supply, while making more efficient use of existing buildings, can represent a highly sustainable use of resources.

6.2  Proposals for such development will normally be supported, subject to acceptability of factors such as provision of parking space, bin storage, and compliance with space standards. In some instances, factors such as a high risk of flooding or the impact on a heritage asset may make the subdivision of a dwelling inappropriate.

6.3  Where two or more dwellings are proposed to be amalgamated into a single dwelling, applications will be considered on a case by case basis, including consideration of the impact on housing supply and the adequacy of the living space the existing subdivided property provides. While restoring a previously subdivided property into a single dwelling will normally be acceptable, given the acute housing need in the borough, the large scale amalgamation of dwellings will be resisted.

6.4  Where works to divide or amalgamate dwellings are proposed, developers should take the opportunity to improve the environmental performance of the building in accordance with Policy CC2 of Local Plan Part 1, and provide other benefits where possible such as protecting features of historic interest or improving flood resilience. Resisting amalgamation of dwellings that would result in a loss of dwellings is important so that the Council can address the need for smaller dwellings within the Borough identified in the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA).