Seven-bedroom HMO at 121 Milton Street, Maidstone

What was proposed

The proposal would convert the lounge into a seventh bedroom, add solar panels and provide a fourth parking space for the HMO.

“The application is for the conversion of a lounge in the building to provide an additional seventh bedroom to this HMO. There is no requirement for planning permission for a HMO with 6 or less occupants.”

“The applicant has submitted drawings which show an extended parking area to provide an additional fourth car parking space for the proposed new room. Access to the new space requires removal of a section of close boarded boundary fence.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered a loft conversion, a rear extension and the change from a dwelling to a six-bedroom HMO.

“21/502795/LAWPRO Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed loft conversion with rear dormer. Approved 19.07.2021”

“25/503969/LAWPRO Lawful Development Certificate for change of use from C3 dwelling house to C4 6 bedroom HMO. Approved 20.11.2025.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site is sustainable and the proposal was acceptable for amenity, accommodation, appearance, parking and highways.

“RECOMMENDATION: GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION subject to planning conditions…”

“SUMMARY OF REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION: • Sustainable location • Acceptable in terms of neighbour amenity, standard of accommodation, visual amenity, impact upon parking and the wider highway network. • The benefits of the scheme outweigh the harm when carrying out a planning balance…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Kent Highways did not require involvement, and Kent Police raised no objection under designing-out-crime guidance.

“Development proposal does not meet the criteria to warrant involvement from the Highway Authority in accordance with the current consultation protocol arrangements.”

“No objection with reference to ‘designing out crime’ guidance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee.

The committee decision

The committee granted permission subject to the report’s conditions and delegated powers, voting 11 for, 2 against and with no abstentions.

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

“That the Head of Planning and Economic Development be given delegated powers to grant permission and to be able to settle or amend any necessary planning conditions and/or informatives in line with the matters…”

Minutes