Six-bedroom HMO at 16 Alderley Road, Southdown, Bath

“The application refers to a mid-terrace, two-storey dwelling located in Sothdown, Bath. The site falls within the World Heritage Site but not within a Conservation Area.”

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use from a 5-bedroom dwellinghouse (C3) to small house in multiple occupation (C4) of 6 bedrooms (6 tenants) including partial conversion of existing garage.”

“The adjacent uses are mostly residential, and so the HMO residential use would be compatible. Policy CP10 supports a housing mix in line with national policy, where a mix of housing types and households are encouraged in the interest of community cohesion. This is supported by HMO Policy H2 of the LPPU and the SPD, which aims to direct new HMO development to areas of lower concentration. Therefore, the proposal meets this criterion.”

“The means of access and parking arrangements are acceptable and maintain highway safety standards. The property benefits from three off-street parking space and provision for secure cycle storage, including a store for four bicycles and two outdoor cycle stands. The site is located within an accessible area of Bath with good public transport links, and the adopted parking standards do not require additional off-street spaces for a small HMO of this scale.”

“Two objections received: - 'Live next door to property and intend to sell so do not want this to impede my sale. There has been a number of issue with the drainage on this property affecting mine with Wessex water. Have had sewage from garden into mine. With HMO this will cause problems unless addressed. Parking an issue on street - there is off street but not enough spaces with hmo property.”

“Councillor Dine Romero has requested that this application be referred to the committee should permission be recommended. The reason for the call-in relates to the principle of changing a much-needed family home into an HMO and the potential impact this may have on the local community. In addition to the loss of the garage to form the additional bedroom, and the pressure this will have on the narrow cul-de-sac from additional cars.”

“The garage as shown in drawing '0228-3-315E ' shall be retained for secure bicycle storage for at least 4 bicycles. If a replacement structure is required, details of a suitable equivalent shall be submitted for approval to the planning authority prior to installation and the approved structure shall be installed and permanently retained thereafter.”

“5 Plans List (Compliance) The development/works hereby permitted shall only be implemented in accordance with the plans as set out in the plans list.”