The latest bundle of planning applications in Mansfield reveals that full permission can be required to install a cat-flap, but NOT to create yet another HMO.

The anomaly arose when two separate proposals landed on the desks of planning officers at Mansfield District Council.

The installation of a microchip-controlled cat-flap at The Old Mill House, on Church Road, Warsop, needs to be sanctioned by the officers because the property is a grade II listed building.

But a change-of-use application to convert a three-bedroom terraced house at 25 Gladstone Street, Mansfield into a five-bedroom, five-person HMO (house in multiple occupation) does not require full consent.

Did you know that planning permission is required to install a cat-flap -- if it is within a grade II listed building?

placeholder image — Did you know that planning permission is required to install a cat-flap -- if it is within a grade II listed building?

This is because HMOs for six or fewer residents are classed as permitted development, and so the applicant has asked only for a lawful development certificate to carry out the work.

That applicant is Elijah Ramsay, the 26-year-old London-based boss of property firm, Itsuhomes Ltd, who is believed to have acquired the former family home.

According to a statement he has lodged with the council, the conversion work would include a dormer loft conversion at the back to turn the attic into an en suite bedroom.

Two bedrooms would be created on the ground floor, alongside a communal kitchen and dining area, with the other two bedrooms would be on the first floor.

An HMO (house in multiple occupation) could soon be created at 25 Gladstone Street in Mansfield (centre property with green front door) (PHOTO BY: Google Maps)

As for the cat-flap, the plan has been submitted by Jeremy Lister, of Forest Town, who says it would be installed into the bottom panel of a rear door within the property’s modern extension.

The application states: “The work would involve a clean, precise cut-out and would not alter or impact any historic or architectural features of the principal building. The character of the heritage asset would be fully preserved.

"The installation could also be fully reversible, allowing the door panel to be replaced or repaired, if required.”

The Old Mill House is described in planning papers as “a highly significant character-dwelling, standing close to the 11th century church of St Peter and St Paul".

“Its structural origins date back to the late 1500s or early 1600s, followed by extensions and alterations in the early 18th century,” the papers go on.

“Standing within its private, walled grounds, the property holds communal and historical value.

"For centuries, it operated in tandem with the nearby local mill on the river, representing Warsop’s long-standing agricultural and industrial heritage.”

The council’s planning officers are currently considering both proposals and hope to make a decision or recommendation by the first week of August.

Other planning applications received by Mansfield Council include these:

21 High Street, Warsop – retrospective application for replacement windows at front, sides and rear.

Ravensdale Road, Mansfield – lawful development certificate for two roadside rain-gardens within paved pedestrianised walkway.

The Old Rectory, Church Road, Warsop – work to tree within conservation area.

12 Fairlawns, Mansfield – work to five trees covered by preservation order.

Land next to 2 Crown Street, Mansfield – creation of new access and demolition of existing garage, to be replaced by commercial unit and associated parking.

50 Hatfield Avenue, Meden Vale – rear orangery, with existing conservatory to be removed.

5 Eastlands Lane, Warsop – two-storey side extension, dormers at rear, additional windows at front, solar panels on front roof slope and double garage.

3 Chestnut Drive, Mansfield – replacement front porch after demolition of existing.

Footway outside 3 Park Avenue, Mansfield – removal of tree within conservation area.

The Chestnuts, New Mill Lane, Forest Town – removal of four trees covered by preservation order.

Bleak Hills Lane Fishery, Mansfield – self-build residential dwelling.

9 Skegby Mount, Mansfield – removal of tree covered by preservation order.

Debdale Specialist Care, Thistle Hill Hall, Debdale Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse – removal of four trees and work to another, all covered by preservation order.

16 Springwood Drive, Mansfield Woodhouse – work to three trees covered by preservation order.

Eakring Road, Mansfield – lawful development certificate for street rain-garden to manage surface-water flow from surrounding roads.

THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/