Seven-person HMO at 19 New England Street, Brighton

What was proposed

The application concerned converting the property to an HMO for seven people, with limited internal changes and no change to bathrooms or communal space.

“Councillor Shanks was informed that the only internal alternations would be introducing a wall on the first floor and moving a bedroom door. It was noted there was no permitted development available, therefore if the property were to be converted back to a family home, planning permission would be required. The number of bathrooms would remain the same, as would the communal space.”

“Councillor Theobald was informed that the small bedroom was 7.5sqm, which was acceptable, as was the communal space. 6. Councillor Pickett was informed that the application was assessed on seven persons sharing.”

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Earlier use and applications

The property had been used unlawfully as an Airbnb, and another HMO application in the area had not gone to committee.

“Councillor Cattell was informed that the current use as an AirBnB was unlawful, and planning enforcement would investigate any reports of the property being used as such in the future. It was noted that another HMO application in the area had not been brought to committee as there were not enough objections.”

“Councillor Robinson was informed that the calculations for HMOs in the area would change if this application was agreed. The motivation for submitting the application was not known and would not be a material consideration.”

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Local concerns

Seven residents objected over noise, disturbance, cramped conditions, pressure on shared facilities, parking and the loss of family housing.

“Ward Councillor McLeay sent a speech read out by the Democratic Services officer: The officer report concludes the proposal technically meets current HMO policy thresholds - 6% HMO concentration within 50 metres is below the 10% ward threshold, and below the city-wide limit. However, policy compliance should not be the end of our consideration. Seven local residents have objected.”

“Any future residents would need to rely on long-term paid parking off London Road. Community impact, housing need, living conditions and cumulative change on this street all justify a much more cautious approach. I urge you to scrutinise this proposal closely and consider whether refusal, reduction in occupancy, or stronger conditions would better serve both residents and the wider city.”

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Who spoke

A ward councillor’s speech urged caution, while the applicant’s agent supported the proposal and described its management and location.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the unlawful Airbnb use, communal space, room standards, parking, family housing and the need for HMOs.

“Councillor Cattell was concerned that the property had been used as an unlawful AirBnB. They considered the application could not be refused. Any reports of the house being a ‘holiday let’ should be reported.”

“Councillor Parrott was concerned that the communal space would be turned into a bedroom by stealth, however, an HMO was not necessarily a bad thing.”

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The vote

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission.

“A vote was held, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission.”

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The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions and informatives in the report.

“RESOLVED: That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives in the report.”

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