HMO from 6 to 8 beds at 37 North Street, Bridgwater

HMO growing from 6 to 8 bedrooms

The application proposed changing a 6-bedroom house in multiple occupation to 8 bedrooms, with internal ground floor alterations.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was for Change of use from 6No. bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) to 8No. bedroom HMO with internal ground floor alterations.”

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Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee.

Parking and overspill

Councillors raised concern about overspill parking from two more occupants; officers said the modest increase was acceptable in a sustainable town centre location.

“Councillors raised concern that increasing occupancy from 6 to 8 residents would add additional vehicles to an already constrained area and lead to overspill parking on surrounding streets. Officers confirmed the property already has no dedicated parking provision, and the increase represents a modest uplift (2 additional occupants).”

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Incremental HMO intensification

Councillors raised concern about cumulative HMO growth in the area; officers said each application was judged on its own merits and some larger increases had been refused before.

“Officers clarified that each application must be considered on its own planning merits, and that similar schemes had been considered historically, including cases where larger intensification had been refused. • Councillors noted that the property already benefits from a lawful 6-person HMO use, permitted under legislation.”

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Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which carried 6 votes to 4 with no abstentions.

“After deliberations Councillor Bradford proposed to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Bolt.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission in line with the officer recommendation.”

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