Eight-person house in multiple occupation at 95 Charminster Avenue, Bournemouth

What was proposed

The application sought alterations, a loft conversion with a dormer and roof light, and conversion of the dwelling into an eight-person HMO.

“Permission is sought for alterations, loft conversion to include dormer window and roof light and change of use from single dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to 8-person House in Multiple Occupation (Sui Generis). Description of Site and Surroundings…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached two-storey corner dwelling near shops, residential properties and a primary school, with an open layout and a rear extension.

“The proposed site is a detached two storey dwelling set on the corner of Charminster Avenue and Malvern Road. The site benefits from a single storey rear extension which was granted permission under 7-2024-29293-(TPD), the site is very open with no boundary treatment to the front, side or rear. 3.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A rear extension was granted in 2024, while a 2025 proposal for four flats was refused for design, parking and biodiversity information reasons.

“7-2024-29293-(TPD) - 95 Charminster Avenue, Bournemouth, BH9 1RU - Prior notification procedure – The erection of a single storey rear extension which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 8m, for which the maximum height would be 3.5m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.5m. – Granted - 07/10/24 6.”

Officer report

Consultation and public comments

Highways and waste services raised no objection, while 90 of 91 public comments objected, mainly citing parking, safeguarding, traffic, character and disturbance.

“Highways – no objection subject to condition…”

“- Increase in parking (61 comments) - Safeguarding concerns for vulnerable neighbours and school children (57 comments) - Increase in traffic and congestion (49 comments) - Out of character change of use to the area (40 comments) - Disturbance, noise and anti-social behaviour (19 comments) - Overdevelopment and intensification to site (16 comments) - Overall amenity concerns (12 comments) - Overlooking (6 comments) - Poor design (5 comments) - Harm to biodiversity (1 comment)”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors, a representative speaking for the applicant and a ward councillor objecting addressed the committee.

Additional safeguards

The committee agreed that permission should include an HMO management plan and a maximum occupancy of eight people.

“RESOLVED to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officer’s report, subject to power being delegated to the Head of Planning Operations to agree the final wording of the following additional conditions:”

“Use to be in operation with the HMO Management Plan included in the Committee Addendum dated 19.11.25, subject to section 3.3 being updated to reflect legislative changes to tenancy agreements with effect from 1 May 2026 and the addition of contact details to be made available at all times. • Maximum number of occupants to be 8 persons…”

Minutes