Eight-bed HMO and outbuilding at 249 Farren Road, Coventry

“This report is for the erection of a single storey outbuilding and the change of use from a 6-bedroom HMO (Use Class C4) into a large, 8-bedroom HMO (Sui Generis). The property has previously been extended, with a 6-metre rear extension (Ref: PA/2018/1964) that was converted into two additional bedrooms.”

“RECOMMENDATION Planning Committee are recommended to refuse the application for the reasons set out in the report. REASON FOR DECISION The proposed development is considered to be unacceptable in principle and will result in significant impact upon the amenities of existing and future occupiers of the HMO, neighbouring amenities and highway safety. SITE DESCRIPTION The application site is a semi-detached dwelling set within a residential area.”

“The windows on the eastern elevation look directly onto a boundary fence at a substandard distance of 2.65m. A third window serving bedroom 8 looks onto a fence to the North at a substandard distance of 3.5m. The SPD advises that residents should be able to enjoy good quality outlook to the external environment from habitable rooms, without adjacent buildings, walls, parked vehicles etc. being overbearing or visually intrusive.”

“The proposed bike and bin storage is located in the garden area, behind the existing fence. This is accessed via a gate. The drive area is 2.4m in width. Should these spaces be used for parking, access for bikes and bins is rendered unusable. Similarly, the access for 2 no. further residents into the annexe outbuilding would be blocked, meaning they need to through the house to gain access to their rooms.”

“The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Lead for Planning for erection of ancillary single storey outbuilding (retrospective) and proposed change of use of an existing 6-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) to a larger 8-bed HMO (Sui Generis). The application was recommended for refusal.”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be refused in respect of Application PL/2026/0000674 for the reasons set out in the report.”