Eight-person HMO at 88 Churchill Road, Poole

What was proposed

The application sought to convert a semi-detached property into an eight-unit house in multiple occupation.

“Convert semi-detached property to an HMO (8 units)”

Minutes

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey semi-detached dwelling on Churchill Road, with rear access and parking from Beaconsfield Road.

“The application site relates to a two storey semi-detached dwellinghouse with accommodation within its roof slope. It is located on east side of Churchill Road. To the front is a garden laid in hardstanding with low level brick wall as boundary treatment and pedestrian access taken from Churchill Road. To the rear is an outdoor amenity area. The application site slopes downward towards the rear of the site.”

“Vehicular access is taken from the rear of the site via Beaconsfield Road.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for extensions and roof alterations was approved, and the adjoining property was applying for the same HMO use.

“APP/23/00827/F: Demolition of existing single storey rear extensions; erection of extensions to east and west (front and rear) elevations; alterations and enlargement to roof, raising the ridge height to provide habitable accommodation within roofspace, including dormers to east elevation. Approved.”

“Adjacent to the site is the application at 88 Churchill Road for ‘convert semi-detached property to an HMO (8 units)’ – APP/25/00144/F.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding no adverse harm to the area’s character, residential amenity or highway safety, subject to conditions.

“The Council cannot currently demonstrate a 5-year supply of deliverable sites for housing. Furthermore, the results of the latest Housing Delivery Test, published in December 2024, confirm that an insufficient number of homes have been built in the Poole area over recent years. As a result of the shortfall, policies related to the location and supply of housing are deemed to be out of date.”

“The proposal would not result in adverse harm to the character of the area, to residential amenity or highway safety. The proposal would accord with the policies within the development plan, and therefore is recommended for approval, subject to conditions. Recommendation…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental health had no comment, the highway officer raised no objection subject to a condition, and the waste service found the plans suitable.

“Highway Officer – No highway objections subject to condition.”

“Waste Service – the plans submitted are suitable.”

Officer report

What residents said

Forty-seven representations opposed the proposal, raising concerns about parking, traffic, noise, rubbish, amenity, overdevelopment and pressure on local services.

“Site notice was posted outside the site on 13th March 2025 with an expiry date for 3 rd April 2025. 47 representations were received against the proposal on the following grounds:”

“Inappropriate development application given the already built-up area, lack of infrastructure and adequate parking. • Highway safety • Impact on residential amenity in terms of daylight. • Increase in occupancy resulting to substantial increase in noise, rubbish, vehicles, and deliveries to the properties, deviating from their intended single-family usage.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors spoke, while no applicant or supporter was registered; two ward councillors were listed.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission in line with the recommendation, adding a noise management plan condition and changing the fourth trigger.

“RESOLVED to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officers report with a condition that the applicant was to provide a management plan in relation to noise. Also with an update to trigger 4 to now read Prior to the property being brought into sui generis use.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

Permission limits occupancy to eight people and requires waste management, parking, visibility and cycle storage arrangements.

“Prior to the occupation of the 6 th person within the development hereby approved there shall be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority a management plan. This management plan shall detail; • Details of waste storage facilities to cater for 8 persons – including their location on a block plan and elevations. • How such waste is disposed of including its frequency…”

“No part of the development hereby permitted shall be occupied unless the visibility splay areas as shown on approved drawing have first been cleared to a level not exceeding 0.6 metres above the relative level of the adjacent highway.”

Officer report