Seven-bed HMO at 11 Barton Road, Dover

“DOV/25/01174 – Certificate of Lawfulness (proposed) for the change of use from C3 dwellinghouse to C4 6 occupant HMO with replacement windows to ground floor side elevation – GRANTED”

“Environmental Protection – no observations for this application…”

“Dover Town Council - Object. Due to the cumulative impact of HMO development. The development would increase noise, disturbance, refuse generation and general activity levels, which would harm the amenities of neighbouring occupiers, contrary to good planning practice and local amenity policies.”

“A total of 21 responses have been received as a result of the public consultation (including from the Dover Society) raising objections to the application. The objections can be summarised as follows: • The proposal would result in over-concentration of HMOs on Barton Road and nearby streets, contrary to Policy H7. • The street is becoming a “dormitory” or commercialised area and losing mixed, balanced community character.”

“Increased comings and goings, late-night noise and general disturbance from a large HMO. • Fears of antisocial behaviour, transient occupiers and reduced community cohesion. • Poor sound insulation through party walls and need for acoustic mitigation. • Property frontage cannot accommodate refuse from 7 occupants. • Concerns over increased litter, vermin, odours and visual harm without a robust waste management plan.”

“Councillor P M Brivio commented that Barton Road was a busy area in terms of traffic. Whilst she supported the principle of HMOs, they had to be well managed. Councillor Back referred to comments submitted by Dover Town Council about cumulative impact. However, this in itself was not a reason to refuse the application. HMOs were not popular and he understood why residents opposed them.”

“In clarification, the TL commented that a lawful development certificate allowed a residential dwelling to be changed to an HMO without planning permission. Officers recognised that HMOs needed controlling and condition 5, which required the submission of a management plan, would achieve this.”

“RESOLVED: (a) That Application No DOV/26/00011 be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“(b) That powers be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development to settle any necessary conditions in line with the issues set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”