Decision Maker: Planning Committee
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Description:
Change of use from a dwelling (use Class C3) to a House of Multiple occupation (HMO) (Sui Generis) (Including manager’s flat) and shared living facilities for occupants up to 8 people.
Additional Information:
Ten late letters of representation had been received. Issues not covered previously included:
· Loss of privacy
· Will set a precedent, and
· House prices
In response to these, the proposal does not include any extensions. As such, it is not considered that the proposed change of se would result in a loss of privacy impact on existing neighbouring properties. Each planning application has to be assessed on its own merits. The value of property is not a planning matter.
A letter has been sent to Planning Committee members from the applicant noting a number of matters including:
· The existing property is a large 7 bedroomed house and could be occupied by a large extended family,
· Only very minor alterations to the existing are required,
· They do not expect all occupants to have cars,
· Are aware of HMO licensing requirements, and
· The proposal will provide a more affordable housing option, during the cost of living crisis.
Public Speaking:
There was none.
Debate:
During the debate the following key issues were raised:
-The addition of two extra people seemed unnecessary
-Residents were fearful of noise and disruption to street scene
-The property could still be used as a HMO for six residents without requirement for planning permission
-The bedrooms were of sufficient size in line with Government standards
-Complaints were still raised by residents for previously approved HMOs
-There was a lack of consistency within the application
-The application included sufficient parking and affordable housing
-There was a lack of HMOs in the borough with more needed
- The property was mostly adjoined by roads and was no crammed in a small neighbourhood
-The manager on site would be able to address any issues
-Most rooms had double beds which would make it difficult to limit the number of residents to eight.
-It was difficult to police HMOs
-There would be no significant changes to the property
-The property had a large garden and space at front for parking
-The property was out of keeping with the local area
The Committee voted on the application as follows:
For: 7
Against: 1
Abstain: 1
Decision: The recommendation to approve was agreed and the application was approved subject to conditions as set out in the Committee report.
Report author: Kelly Walker
Publication date: 02/05/2023
Date of decision: 26/04/2023
Decided at meeting: 26/04/2023 - Planning Committee
Accompanying Documents: