10-bed HMO at 43 Commercial Road, Totton

What was proposed

The application sought a 10-bedroom, 10-person HMO above retained commercial space, with a new second floor, external changes and a smaller roof terrace.

“The proposal comprises retention and reconfiguration of part of the ground-floor Class E commercial unit; retention of an active commercial frontage to Commercial Road; a separate residential entrance from Testwood Lane; internal refuse and cycle storage; conversion of the existing first floor to provide four en-suite HMO bedrooms; construction of an additional second floor to provide six further en-suite HMO bedrooms; a shared kitchen/living area at first-floor level; a…”

“During the course of the application, the applicant has made it clear that each of the proposed bedrooms would only be occupied on a single person occupancy basis. As such, for the purposes of this report, the application has been assessed as a 10-bedroom / 10-person HMO.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The former bank occupies a prominent corner in Totton town centre, within a mixed commercial and residential area close to shops, transport and public car parks.

“Noise, terrace use, ventilation, plant, odour, refuse and construction impacts. ·Flood risk and drainage. ·Ecology, biodiversity and protected species. ·Habitats mitigation, air quality, nutrient neutrality and developer contributions. ·HMO management, occupancy control and operational matters. ·Planning balance and conclusion. 2SITE DESCRIPTION The application site comprises the former NatWest Bank at 43 Commercial Road, Totton.”

“The surrounding area is commercial in character at ground-floor level. Residential accommodation above shops and other town-centre uses forms part of the established development pattern. The site is in a highly accessible location, close to shops, services and public transport. Totton railway station is approximately 400 metres from the site, with bus routes available on Commercial Road and Salisbury Road and public car parks within the wider town centre.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the town-centre reuse, retained commercial frontage, housing choice and accessible location benefits outweighed the identified adverse effects, subject to controls.

“The proposal would provide a 10-bedroom HMO within a highly sustainable town-centre location, making effective use of an underutilised building while retaining commercial activity at ground-floor level. The site lies within Totton town centre and the Primary Shopping Area, close to shops, services, public transport and public car parks. This weighs in favour of the proposal and accords with the spatial strategy and housing objectives of Policies STR1, STR3, STR4 and STR5.”

“Nutrient neutrality can be addressed through the recommended Grampian condition, which would prevent occupation until the final nutrient budget has been approved and sufficient mitigation has been legally secured, allocated and implemented. Subject to these measures, the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the relevant European sites.”

Officer report

Concerns from residents

Ten objection letters raised concerns about overdevelopment, town-centre effects, parking, noise, communal space, waste, safety, management and occupier profile.

“Concern that the proposed HMO would be an inappropriate use within Totton town centre. ·Concern that the proposal would represent over-intensification / overdevelopment of the site. ·Concern that the proposal would affect the balance and character of the local community. ·Concern as to whether there is a demonstrated need for an HMO in Totton.”

“Waste / Servicing ·Concern that additional residents would generate increased waste and that inadequate storage or collection arrangements could result in overflowing bins, litter and harm to the appearance of the area. Safety / Management ·Concern regarding fire safety, emergency access and safe means of escape. ·Concern regarding the management of the HMO and the process for allocating rooms to future occupiers.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and an objector took part as public participants.

The committee decision

The committee delegated authority to grant permission, subject to a unilateral undertaking, relevant fees and the conditions in the report.

“Delegated Authority be given to the Service Manager Development Management to GRANT PERMISSION subject to:”

Minutes