Seven-bedroom HMO at 39 Shillito Road, Poole

What was proposed

The application sought alterations, a loft conversion, a rear dormer and a change from a dwelling to a seven-bedroom HMO for seven people.

“Description of Proposal 1. Planning permission is sought for alterations, a 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. Description of Site and Surroundings 2.”

Officer report

Planning history

The report records no relevant planning history on the site and refers to an earlier approved development behind it.

“The site is well located in terms of access to public bus services; it is in close proximity to Ashley Road to the south, providing access to local shops and services. Relevant Planning History 5. None relevant on the site. 6. The development to the rear of the site in Carnegie Close relates to application reference 23740/10 - Erect 5 shop units and 18 flats (in accordance with amended drawings received on 07/11/1988. Approved 1988. Constraints 7.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, waste, water and ecology consultees raised no objections, with conditions proposed for parking, cycle storage and biodiversity enhancement.

“BCP Ecology – no objections subject to a condition to secure biodiversity enhancement. Representations 17. Site notices were posted outside the site on 3 February 2026 with an expiry date of consultation of 24th February 2026. 18.”

Officer report

What residents said

Thirty-nine representations objected, citing HMO concentration, parking, noise, disturbance, design, overlooking, waste, garden space and effects on family homes.

“impacts on neighbouring amenity from the extensions and noise • the rear garden is small and would not leave sufficient amenity space • stress on local amenities • the area will be too densely packed, especially as the house is a terrace • the area is a family area and will cause noise and disturbance to them • the residents will drive and there is not enough space on the road • highway safety concerns with children walking to school • antisocial behaviour and safeguarding…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector spoke, the agent spoke for the applicant, and two ward councillors spoke against the proposal.

What the committee decided

The committee refused permission, finding the communal facilities and garden inadequate, and identifying harmful noise, overintensification and change to local character.

“The proposal, due to its nature, would result in an unacceptable level of noise resulting from the overintensification of the use on site, which would be detrimental to the amenities of the adjacent neighbours, and harmful to the established character of the area, contrary to the provisions of Policy PP271 of the Poole Local Plan.”

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

Minutes