Six-bedroom HMO at 54 Auckland Drive, Brighton

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use from a residential dwelling (C3) to a 6no bedroom small house in multiple occupation (C4), with associated alterations, including amendments to fenestration.”

“The application site comprises a semi-detached two storey dwelling located on the eastern side of Auckland Drive in Bevendean. The property has brick walls and tiled roof, and the loft has been converted into further habitable space, with a rear dormer and front rooflights. The dwelling is set back from the road edge and has a stepped access from the elevated pavement.”

“The site is not a listed building and is not within a Conservation Area. There are also no locally listed buildings within the vicinity. The site backs onto fields and is a short distance from the Hyde Business Park.”

“PRE2025/00081 - Change of use from (C3) dwelling to (C4) small HMO (three to six unrelated occupants). Pre-application advice summary: The proposed change of use would comply with policy CP21 of the City Plan Part One as there are not more than 10% of properties in use as HMOs within 50m of the site.”

“BH2017/02817 - Certificate of lawfulness for proposed loft conversion incorporating rear dormer with front rooflights. Approved 16.10.2017”

“The main considerations in the determination of this application relate to whether the creation of a C4 HMO would be acceptable in terms of the standard of accommodation, the impacts of the development on neighbour amenity and transport matters.”

“The proposed HMO layout would have a kitchen/dining space and separate living space on the ground floor, collectively these spaces measure at 27.5sqm. The layout of these spaces is considered acceptable with regard to natural ventilation and outlook for future occupiers. The proposed communal space exceeds the minimum required of 4sqm per person (24sqm for six-person occupancy).”

“There are three shower rooms within the proposed layout. Bedrooms and living areas are either on the same floor as bathroom amenities or within one floor of them. It is considered that one shower room on the ground floor and two on the first floor is acceptable.”

“Private Sector Housing: Comment Should the application be approved then the applicant will be required to apply for an HMO Licence. This can be done online via the council's website.”

“Representations have been received from 26 (Twenty Six) individuals, objecting to the proposed development for the following reasons: • Family area does not need more HMOs…”

“OFFRPT • Detrimental effect on property values • Noise • Impact on residential amenity • Overdevelopment • Overshadowing • Additional traffic and highway stress • Increased demand for parking • Poor waste management with student properties/HMOs • Antisocial behaviour and drug taking • Council stated no more HMOs would be created. • Negative impact on the wellbeing of existing residents • Overcrowded and overdeveloped HMO accommodation.”

“This application was not called for discussion. The officer recommendation was therefore taken as having been agreed unanimously.”

“That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out below and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the following Conditions and Informatives:”

“Notwithstanding the approved plans, the development hereby permitted shall not be occupied until the cycle parking facilities shown on the approved plans have been fully implemented and made available for use. Rather than be installed in front of the property as shown on the plans, the cycle store (as drawn on drawing 02 received 30th September 2025) shall be installed to the side of the single storey existing single storey side extension behind the existing fence.”