Seven-bedroom HMO at 115 Chandos Street, Netherfield

What was proposed

Permission was sought to change a six-bedroom HMO into a seven-bedroom HMO for up to seven occupiers, with en-suite rooms and shared facilities.

“Planning permission is sought for a change of use from a 6-bedroom HMO (C4 use) to a 7-bedroom HMO for up to 7 occupiers which falls within a sui generis use. The rooms are all proposed to be en-suite. Some of the rooms have tea- making facilities and a sink but none have their own individual cooking facilities. A shared kitchen/dining area for the whole house is also proposed.”

Officer report

Earlier use and works

The property has permitted rear extension and loft conversion works and already operates lawfully as a six-bedroom HMO.

“The property has previously been extended with a rear single storey extension and a loft conversion. These works constituted permitted development.”

“The property currently operates as a six bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) which did not require planning permission.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the limited intensification and additional parking demand acceptable because the existing six-bedroom HMO was lawful and the location was sustainable.

“In the planning balance, there may be some limited impacts from the proposal such as a modest intensification of the site and incremental parking demand. However, these are not significant and are not considered to give rise to unacceptable highway safety or amenity impacts, particularly having regard to…”

Officer report

Advice and objections

Highways, environmental health and police raised no objections, while four letters raised concerns including parking, safety, waste, noise, housing mix and overconcentration.

“GBC Environmental Health (Licensing) – no objections. The bedrooms meet the required space standards, all rooms have be-suite bathrooms and the kitchen / living areas meet the kitchen amenity standards. Police – no objections. Provide advice regarding the Police Secured by Design guidance. A site notice was displayed and neighbour notification letters posted. As a result of the consultation undertaken 4 no.”

“Impact on parking • Lack of parking • Increased pressure on waste disposal • Lack of space for bins • Highways safety • Pedestrian safety • Potential unkempt garden attracting vermin • Concerns that the rooms will be occupied by couples • Loss of affordable and family housing • Not in keeping with the area • The property has been extended which is an eyesore • Increased comings and goings to and from the property • Intensification of the use • Overconcentration of HMOs in…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the report and told members that a Ward Councillor had submitted a further objection letter.

What members considered

Members acknowledged possible local inconvenience, including pressure on on-street parking and general HMO impacts, but did not consider these unacceptable harm.

“The proposed development is consistent with national and local planning policies. Whilst Members acknowledged that the proposal may give rise to some local inconvenience, including additional pressure on on-street parking and the general impacts associated with HMO occupation, these impacts were not considered to amount to unacceptable harm to residential amenity or highway safety so as to justify refusal on planning grounds.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to two conditions, including a three-year commencement limit and compliance with the submitted details and plans.

“To GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION: subject to the following conditions:”

“The development shall be undertaken in accordance with the details as set out within the application form received on the 12th March 2026, the Planning Statement received on the 12th March 2026 and the plans received on the 12th March 2026, drawing numbers: 24,108-P-101, 24,108-P-220, 24,108-P-210 and 24,108-P-001.”

Minutes