8-person HMO at 16 Elm Road, Worthing

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a dwelling into an eight-bedroom HMO, with a side extension, roof conversion, ensuite bedrooms and shared facilities.

“The application site relates to a two storey end of terrace dwelling located on the south side of Elm Road. It has a two storey bay to the frontage, decorative bands and cornice details, tiled porch canopy, and flint/rendered boundary wall to the frontage. Although No.16 is wider than its neighbours and with an angled side wall to its east side where it benefits from a wider plot size, it matches the overall design of other dwellings within the terrace.”

“It would comprise 8 bedrooms. Rooms have been indicated to be single occupancy. The use would be facilitated by a proposed single storey side extension to the east elevation, following removal of an existing lean-to structure, and through the conversion of the roofspace including insertion of rooflight windows. All bedrooms would have ensuite provision. A shared kitchen/dining room is proposed at the rear of the ground floor and a communal lounge area is also proposed.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey end-of-terrace dwelling in the Warwick Gardens Conservation Area and is a Local Interest Building.

“The site is within the Warwick Gardens Conservation and is subject to an Article 4 Direction which removed certain permitted development rights where the development would front a highway or open space. It is identified as a Local Interest Building along with the other properties within the terrace.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide needed affordable accommodation and its effects could be controlled through conditions and management.

“Conclusion There is a clear need for all types of housing in the Borough and the proposal brings forward a type of affordable residential accommodation for which there is a recognised need. The proposal will provide an acceptable standard of living accommodation for future residents.”

“In addition to the separate licensing requirements for HMO (under the Housing Act 2004 and The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006) it is considered the potentially harmful impacts of the proposed HMO use on amenities of nearby residential occupiers can be satisfactorily mitigated by imposing suitable planning conditions. Recommendation: APPROVE”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Residents objected to overdevelopment, HMO concentration, loss of housing balance, noise, disturbance, parking, storage, conservation impacts and pressure on local services.

“Overdevelopment of the site ● Over concentration of HMO’s in the area and loss of family housing - impact on the character of the area, cumulative impacts of HMO’s, loss of community balance/cohesion, potential increase in vulnerable adults and/or transient occupants, anti-social behaviour, impact on safety and sustainability ● Residential amenity - concern over potential number of occupants and could be dual occupancy rooms, intensity of use, potential noise and…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two speakers objected, while the applicant supported the scheme and described it as professionally managed accommodation for working adults.

Members’ concerns

Members questioned whether eight residents could be accommodated appropriately, particularly given the limited communal space, courtyard, storage and narrow access alleyway.

“During the debate some Members were conflicted, recognising that Worthing needed properties for young people but felt that the size of the property could not accommodate 8 residents appropriately.”

“Concerns were raised regarding the courtyard layout as it was considered that the outdoor area would be dominated by eight bike stores and possibly three large bins and would limit its appeal as a shared outside space. Other concerns were raised that should the space be used for smoking it would negatively impact adjacent neighbours. Furthermore, the suitability of the narrow alleyway as a cyclist route to the rear courtyard was identified as a key constraint.”

Minutes