HMO conversion at 47 Eastbrook Road, Brighton and Hove

What was proposed

The application concerned converting the property into a House of Multiple Occupancy aimed at young professionals.

“Robert Selvey addressed the committee as a resident and stated that there were some 70 houses in the road, and they had spoken to residents of approximately 63 of them. The speaker represented the residents who had many objections. Parking is an issue in this street of families, as was the over development of this small home. The resident wished to focus on two issues: a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) would reduce the number of family homes on the market and the developer tried to undermine the planning process with many previous applications, some retrospective.”

“John Wright addressed the committee as the applicant and stated that they ran a small family business in the city. The property was in poor condition when purchased with water damage and was not selling. The applicant spent some £200,000 on improving the property. This would not have been viable for a family to convert. The HMO would be aimed at young professionals with a high specification interior. Planning criteria have been met and there are no planning objections.”

Minutes

The property and street

The property was described as a small home in a street with about 70 houses, and one other HMO was noted nearby.

“Councillor Theobald was informed that some sound proofing was included in the scheme, however, it was not usual for the council to ask for noise attenuation on such a small property. It was noted there was one other HMO in the street however this was beyond the 50m assessment boundary.”

Minutes

Questions about the scheme

Members were told that some soundproofing was included and that the layout was functional, including bedroom head height.

“Councillor Sheard was informed that the layout was functional, including the head height in the bedroom.”

Minutes

Who spoke

A resident spoke against the application, while the applicant described the property's condition, investment and intended tenants.

Members' debate

Most members supported the application because young professionals needed housing, while one member noted objections and preferred a family home.

“Councillor Robinson considered there was a lack of affordable housing and young professionals also needed housing. The councillor supported the application.”

“Councillor Theobald noted the 43 objections, and stated they preferred a family home. The councillor hoped for good tenants.”

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The committee vote

The committee unanimously agreed to grant planning permission, with one councillor taking no part in the decision.

“A vote was taken, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission. (Councillor Winder took no part in the discussions or decision-making process)”

Minutes

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.”

Minutes