Six-person house in multiple occupation at 58 York Avenue, Gillingham

“This application seeks planning permission for the change of use from dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a 6 bedroom 6 person house in multiple occupation (Class C4) together with construction of a single storey rear extension, L-shaped dormer window to rear and installation of roof lights to front to provide additional living accommodation within roof space with associated bin/cycle store within the garden area.”

“Ground Floor – Kitchen dining area and two bedrooms with ensuites. First Floor Plan - 2 bedrooms with ensuites Second floor - 2 bedrooms with ensuites There is also a garden to the rear.”

“_______________________________________________________ Recommendation of Officers to the Planning Committee, to be considered and determined by the Planning Committee at a meeting to be held on 6th May 2026.”

“The proposal only provides for a kitchen and small eating area as internal communal space, which is also used to provide access to the rear amenity space the arrangement which would reduce the meaningful space to support the day-to-day activities of the six individuals living together other than cooking. With no other communal spaces/lounges within the property this would result in the occupiers being reliant on living, relaxing, working from their bedrooms.”

“There is one kitchen/diner area at ground floor which is proposed to provide the only internal communal space for use by the occupants. It is considered that while the bedrooms are reasonable offering occupants a degree of independent living within their rooms, the kitchen and dining area would measure only ten sqm and would not provide any real communal lounge area/facility.”

“Policy T8 clearly sets out that equivalent space to a reception room is necessary to accord with the Policy. The Policy also states that HMO accommodation will only be supported where it does not adversely affect the health and well-being of the residents (new and existing). The communal area is not two separate rooms and does not provide adequate communal space for six residents for living and dining, as set out in emerging plan Policy T8.”

“The Planning statement refers to Mansfield! Internal layout shows eight ensuite rooms which is different from the proposal. There are no bus routes on York Avenue…”

“Kent Police commented on the application requesting they are consulted as Designing out Crime Officers (DOCO’s) to address CPTED and incorporate Secured by Design (SBD) as appropriate.”

“The Senior Planner confirmed, that within a 500-metre radius, there were 42 HMOs in the area. The officer’s recommendation for refusal remained, based on the inadequate provision of internal communal space.”

“The Committee discussed the application in detail and Members expressed concern regarding the insufficient communal and living space.”

“The Senior Planner brought Members’ attention to the supplementary agenda advice sheet, which confirmed that the SAMMS Bird Fee had now been paid. As a result, the second reason for refusal had been withdrawn.”

“REFUSED for reason 1 only as set out in the report.”