Five-bedroom HMO at 51a Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis

What was proposed

The application sought to retain the change of use of first- and second-floor offices to a five-bedroom HMO.

“DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONThis application seeks the retention of a change of use of the first and second floor office to a 5 bed HMO. SITE CHARACTERISTICSFirst and second floor of a two and a half storey building. There is commercial floorspace on the ground floor of the property which is not affected by this application.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for administrative and educational use of the first and second floors was approved conditionally in 1997.

“BR/135/97Change of use of first and second floors to administration and educational purposes ApproveConditionally 05-08-97”

“Planning history noted. REPRESENTATIONS Bognor Regis Town Council (BRTC) - Objection. - The application is retrospective - Intensification of use - Overconcentration of HMOs - Adverse impacts on neighbouring residents - Increased parking demand - Harm to shopping parade - Unsuitable living environment for future occupiers - Bin storage arrangement unsuitable…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide housing without unacceptable HMO concentration, visual, heritage or residential amenity harm.

“The proposal is in conflict with relevant Development Plan policies in that it does not provide on-site car or cycle parking and results in the loss of the employment use. However, for the reasons discussed below, this conflict does not amount to sufficient reason to refuse the development.”

“The proposal otherwise complies with relevant Development Plan policies in that it provides housing without harming the visual amenities of the area or the relevant heritage assets, does not result in an unacceptable local overconcentration of HMOs, and provides sufficient residential amenity for occupiers.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The town council objected, while Environmental Health raised no objection subject to conditions and no nearby occupiers made representations.

“Comments noted. Applications for planning permission may be made retrospectively and should be decided on their merits. The remaining issues raised by BRTC are addressed in the conclusions. CONSULTATIONS CONSULTATION RESPONSES RECEIVED: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH - No objection subject to conditions - Development is on a busy road in a mixed-use area with a variety of commercial properties close by.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No public speakers addressed the committee; the Senior Planning Officer introduced the application and explained its main planning issues.

Members’ debate

Members questioned the smallest bedroom, communal space, ventilation and whether the internal layout could be amended.

“Members raised a number of concerns in relation to the proposed internal layout of the HMO. One Member expressed particular concern regarding the size of one of the bedrooms, noting that Bedroom 2, at approximately 5.9 square metres, was significantly below the nationally described space standards, and considerably smaller than the other bedrooms in the property. The Member also queried whether any communal living space was provided within the layout.”

“Another Member queried whether amendments could be required to the internal layout to increase the size of the smallest bedroom, suggesting that alterations to an internal wall might provide additional space. In response, the Officer advised that the Committee was required to determine the application based on the plans submitted, and that any approval would relate to those plans.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee approved the application with a Section 106 agreement after the recommendation was proposed, seconded and put to the vote.

“The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Woodman and seconded by Councillor Wallsgrove.”

“That the application be APPROVED WITH A S106 AGREEMENT.”

Minutes