Agenda item - BH2017/02986, 19 Arnold Street,Brighton - Full Planning

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

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Hanover & Elm Grove

              Change of use from three bedroom single dwelling (C3) to three 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 received from Councillor Gibson that the application be determined by the Committee and to the letters of objection received from Councillors Gibson and Page.

(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 property was at present in lawful use as a single dwelling house let to two individuals, falling within a C3 use class. The layout of the property consisted of a kitchen, living room and a bedroom at ground floor level and two further bedrooms and a bathroom at first floor level and a garden area to the rear of the property. No internal or external alterations were proposed as part of this application. The existing and proposed plans showed an “attic room” which was uninhabitable and it was not proposed that it would be used as a bedroom or other habitable space.

(3)          It was explained that the mapping exercise which had taken place indicated that there were 10 properties within a 50m radius, and that the percentage of existing HMO’s within the designated area was 1.9%. Based upon that percentage, which was less than 10%, the proposal was in accordance with policy. Overall it was considered that the property provided a good standard of accommodation for up to four occupants in accordance with Policy QD27 of the Brighton & Hove Local Plan and approval was therefore recommended subject to conditions restricting the number of occupants at the property to a maximum of 4.

              Questions for Officers

(4)          In answer to questions by Councillor Bennett it was explained that the application site was a mid-terrace property and that the mapping exercise carried out had indicated that there were very few HMOs within the immediate vicinity of the site.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

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

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

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