Agenda item - BH2017/03683, 8 Willingdon Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Change of use from 3 bedroom single dwelling (C3) to a 5 bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (C4).

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Hanover & Elm Grove

              Change of use from five bedroom single dwelling (C3) to six bedroom small house in multiple occupation (C4).

              Officers Introduction

(1)          The Principal Planning Officer, Jonathan Puplett, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs, elevational drawings and floor plans. Reference was also made to the request that the application be determined by Committee and letter of objection received from Councillor Yates.

(2)          The main considerations in determining the application related to the principle of the change of use, the impact on neighbouring amenity, the standard of accommodation which the use would provide in addition to transport issues and the impact upon the character and appearance of the property and the surrounding areas. The proposal would allow occupation of the property as a small HMO providing accommodation for 6 unrelated individuals who would share basic amenities including a kitchen, living/dining room and bathroom. It was explained that the mapping exercise which had taken place indicated that there were 33 properties within a 50m radius. No other properties had been identified as being in either Class C4, mixed C3/4 or other types of HMO, thus the percentage of existing HMOs within the designated area was 0%. Based upon that percentage, which was less than 10%, the proposal to change to a C4 HMO would therefore be accordance with policy.

(3)          Minor amendments had been made to the drawings originally submitted during the course of the application and overall the standard of accommodation was considered sufficient for six occupiers and approval was therefore recommended. It was also recommended that the proposed floor layout be restricted by condition in order to ensure that all communal areas were retained.

              Questions for Officers

(4)          The Chair, Councillor Cattell, referred to the mapping exercise which had been carried out. In answer to questions it was noted that although the property would result in an increase in occupancy and intensity in comparison to the existing use of the building, given the low proportion of other HMO’s within the immediate vicinity of the site and the level of activity the proposed use was considered acceptable and would not result in significant harm to the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(5)          A vote was taken and the 11 Members present when the vote was taken voted unanimously that planning permission be granted.

97.4       RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out below and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in the report.

              Note: Councillor Gilbey had given her apologies for the meeting due to sickness and was therefore not present at the meeting during consideration or voting in respect of the above application. Councillor Bennett was not present at the meeting during consideration or voting in respect of the above application.