Seven-person HMO at 41 Shillito Road, Poole

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a seven-bedroom, seven-person House in Multiple Occupation.

“Change of use from a dwellinghouse (Class C3), to seven bedroom/seven person House in Multiple Occupation (Sui generis)”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey terraced house in a mainly residential area, near shops, services and public bus routes.

“The existing property is a two storey terrace house finished in red brick with a double height front bay window below a decorative front gable and a slate tiled roof. It is located on the southern side of Shillito Road, within the Parkstone area of Poole. To the front is a boundary wall and piers in red brick which matches the brick finish of the front of the…”

Officer report

Earlier applications and history

A rear extension had prior approval, while an earlier seven-bedroom HMO proposal at 39 Shillito Road was refused for cramped conditions and noise.

“P/26/00618/PNHH - Single storey rear flat roof extension which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original terraced dwelling house by 6 metres, for which the maximum height would be 3 metres and for which the height at the eaves would be 3 metres. Prior approval not required - 23 March 2026. 6. 39 Shillito Road…”

“P/26/00207/FUL - Alterations, loft conversion with rear roof dormer extension and a change of use from a dwelling (C3 Use) to a 7 bedroom HMO (Sui Generis Use) for a maximum occupancy of 7 people, with associated cycle and bin store. Refused 7th April 2026.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, considering the proposal acceptable in principle and finding no significant harm to character, neighbours, highways or future residents.

“The proposal indicates that this would be carried out under permitted development regulations prior to the change of use from a C3 dwellinghouse to a C4 HMO so there is no objection to this element which would also be built within permitted development rights attributed to the property as a single dwelling. 44. Given the design and scale of the extensions, the proposal would not result in significant harm to the character or appearance of the area.”

“Impact on highways and parking 60. The site is located within a sustainable location (Zone B), close to the Ashley Road local centre, with good access to shops, services and public transport. BCP Highways were consulted on the application and noted that the proposal would utilise the existing rear access and parking area.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, waste and ecology raised no objection, with highways seeking parking and cycle conditions; Dorset Wildlife Trust and Poole Town Council did not respond.

“BCP Highways – no objection subject to conditions to secure vehicle and cycle parking. 15. BCP Waste and Recycling - no objection. 16. Dorset Wildlife Trust - no response received. 17. BCP Ecology – no objection. 18. Poole Town Council – no response received.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The minutes list an objector, an applicant or supporter, and a ward councillor as speakers.

The committee’s decision

The committee unanimously refused permission, contrary to the officer recommendation, because of cramped living conditions, noise, over-intensification and harm to local character.

“RESOLVED to REFUSE permission contrary to the recommendation set out in the officer’s report for the following reasons: The proposal, due to the provision of substandard communal facilities (kitchen/living room) provided within the proposed building would result in cramped and oppressive living conditions for the prospective occupiers, especially with the bedroom sizes being relatively small and not reasonably meeting the needs of the prospective occupants.”

“The overintensification of the use of the site would also result in a change in the character of the local area.”

Minutes