Four-bedroom HMO at First and second floor, 6 Highfield Road, Bognor Regis

What was proposed

The retrospective application sought to retain the change from a three-bedroom maisonette to a four-bedroom HMO for up to four unrelated people.

“DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONThis application seeks a change of use of a first-floor maisonette from a 3-bed dwelling (Class C3) to a 4-bed HMO (Class C4). This will be for a maximum of four unrelated people. This is a retrospective application. SITE CHARACTERISTICSTwo storey terraced dwelling on the eastern side of Highfield Road. CHARACTER OF LOCALITYPredominantly residential, with a variety of different style and sized dwelling houses in the local vicinity.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

The property was previously approved for conversion into a ground-floor flat and a three-bedroom flat on the first and second floors.

“BR/326/05/Change of use from 1 dwelling to 1 No. 1 bed ground floor flat & 1 No. 3 bed flat on first and second floors. Approve 02-12-05”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke publicly, subject to the application being considered at the next committee meeting.

What members discussed

Members considered the retrospective nature of the application, the occupancy condition, the town council’s concerns and whether there were grounds for refusal.

“Councillor Lury opened the debate by expressing initial reservations about retrospective applications but acknowledged that the officer’s explanation and the presence of the applicant had helped address some concerns. He referred to the objection from Bognor Regis Town Council regarding the use of double bedrooms but noted that the proposed condition limiting occupancy to four persons mitigated this issue.”

“Councillor Lury stated that he could not identify any planning grounds on which to refuse the application. He felt the applicant had acted responsibly and was providing quality accommodation, which was needed for single residents in the area. He confirmed his intention to support the application.”

Minutes