Large house in multiple occupation at Marine View, 111 Marine Parade, Worthing

What was proposed

The application sought to convert a guest house into a 13-bedroom HMO for up to 16 people, with shared facilities and storage.

“Permission is sought for a change of use from a guest house to a large house in multiple occupation (HMO) with 13-bedrooms. Following discussion, the application has been amended to reduce occupancy levels from a maximum of 23 people as initially proposed, to a maximum of 16 people in 10 single rooms and 3 double rooms on the upper ground, first and second floors. All bedrooms have en-suite provision.”

“The attached garage would be used for refuse and cycle storage.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a Victorian seafront guest house in a conservation area, with bedrooms, shared facilities, a yard and an attached garage.

“Site and Surroundings The application relates to the Marine View Guest House, an end-of-terrace, 3-storey plus semi-basement Victorian property located on the north side of Marine Parade facing the seafront promenade just to the west of the town centre. The building has white stuccoed elevations under a slate, hipped roof with chimneys.”

“Permission was granted in 1978 for the additional use of the lower ground-floor dining room serving the guest house as a bar and licensed restaurant open to non-residents with occasional use of the forecourt for placing tables and chairs. The site falls within EA Flood Zone 3. Proposal…”

Officer report

What people said

Objectors raised concerns about HMO concentration, antisocial behaviour, noise, parking, waste, accommodation quality, heritage and the loss of tourism use.

“I live next door with a baby/young family. Concerned about noise at all times of day and night, smoking which poses a health risk to my family and people hanging around at the front and in the side alley. There are some individuals that base themselves on the beach and in the alley who regularly engage in antisocial behaviour and fear this will become worse.”

“Increased parking pressures. The proposal will significantly impact available parking which has been reduced recently with the introduction of electric parking bays. ● Severe lack of parking in the area will be exacerbated; ● Some HMO residents will be likely to own a vehicle and any additional demand for parking will place further strain on residents and potentially compromise highway safety. ● Parking in permit zone B is virtually impossible.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector opposed the proposal, the ward councillor supported housing subject to strong management, and the applicant’s agent described previous HMO management experience.

What members debated

Members stressed that management must be robust, continuously followed and supported by more than one round-the-clock contact point.

“During debate Members concurred that it was crucial that the management plan was robust and adhered to without exception. In addition the committee wished to stipulate that there would be more than one phone contact point for residents with concerns, manned on a 24 hour basis and that this should be explicitly prescribed in the conditions. Whilst Members expressed concern that the sea front guest house was unviable they also recognised the need for housing.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously supported the officer recommendation, with amendments concerning temporary accommodation, management, door entry and post boxes.

“A proposal was put forward to accept the Officers recommendation and approve the application with addition to condition 3 (as below) referring to temporary or emergency accommodation, if that need arose. Officers would also write to the applicant to highlight the range of matters to be included in the management plan.”

Minutes

What was decided

The application was approved with a maximum occupancy of 16 and conditions covering management, flooding, the external stairs, storage, CCTV, entry systems and post boxes.

“Prior to commencement of use a final Management Plan tailored to meet the specific housing needs and safety of future residents and the local community shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter the HMO shall only be operated in accordance with the agreed Management Plan and the specific management measures contained therein.”

“Pre occupation - details of any CCTV, details of the door entry system for each entrance and any external post boxes, including their appearance.”

Minutes