Decision details

The Drill Hall, Amwell End, Ware – Licence for variation of permitted use

Decision Maker: Director for Communities

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

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.

Publication date: 12/11/2025

Date of decision: 30/10/2025

Accompanying Documents: