Five-person HMO at 63 Copenhagen Road, Gillingham

“Relevant Planning History MC/25/1918 Application for a Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) for the change of use from Class (C3) single dwelling house to Class (C4) up to 6 bed HMO. Conversion of basement to a habitable space along with construction of a single storey extension to rear. Construction of an L shaped dormer to rear with roof lights to front to facilitate living accommodation within the roof space. Insertion of two doors to side. Approved 15.10.2025”

“An application was made under MC/26/0153 for a Lawful Development Certificate for the existing use of the property as a Class C4 HMO. However, this was subsequently withdrawn as a result of insufficient evidence being provided for its existing use. As such the Lawful Development Certificate has not been implemented. Therefore, a full application has been made for the change of use from dwellinghouse (Class C3) to HMO (Class C4).”

“The principle of converting the existing property into a 5 bedroom, 5 person HMO is considered to be acceptable due to the property being located where there is not an over-concentration of HMOs and being of a size suitable for conversion. The design, neighbouring residential amenity and future occupier amenity as well as highways considerations are considered to conform.”

“The application has been advertised on site and by individual neighbour notification to the owners and occupiers of the neighbouring property.”

“Kent Police have welcomed further discussions with the applicant/agent about site specific designing out crime approaches and have provided additional advice with respect to lighting and natural surveillance, security and boundary treatments and other approaches that could be implemented within the development.”

“She spoke against the application, stating that whilst HMOs were needed, they should be located within appropriate properties and in suitable locations. • Concern was expressed that the proposal would add to the high concentration of HMOs in Gillingham South Ward, with 86 HMOs identified within a 500-metre radius of the site, contrary to the aims of the Article 4 Direction.”

“Concern was expressed regarding the loss of a family home, with reference made to the demand for family-sized accommodation in Medway and the objectives of the emerging Local Plan. • She considered that occupation by multiple unrelated individuals would generate greater levels of activity, comings and goings than a family dwelling.”

“The Committee discussed the planning application particularly regarding the size of some of the proposed bedrooms, which some Members considered unsuitable for occupation.”

“Members referred to other HMO applications submitted for nearby properties, including 71 and 73 Copenhagen Road. The Service Manager – Development Management reminded the Committee that each planning application must be determined on its own planning merits and that undetermined applications could not be taken into account as established HMOs.”

“Approved with conditions 1 to 7 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report.”