Seven-bedroom HMO at 97 Weston Road, Guildford

What was proposed

The application sought a seven-bedroom HMO, loft conversion with rear dormer and rooflights, and changes to the existing windows.

“Location: Weston Road, Guildford, GU2 8AS Proposal: Change of use of the existing residential dwelling (use class C3) to a 7- bedroom larger HMO (use class Sui Generis); loft conversion to habitable accommodation with L-shaped rear dormer and addition of windows on side elevation (retrospective application).”

“The application proposes the change of use of an existing use class C3 dwellinghouse to a 7- bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) under use class Sui Generis, together with a loft conversion including a rear dormer window and two rooflights, and alterations to the existing fenestrations.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a semi-detached two-storey home at a junction in a residential neighbourhood, with two front parking spaces.

“The application site comprises a semi-detached two storey residential dwelling located at the T- junction where Weston Road and Parkhurst Road meet. It has a pitched tiled roof and features render to its elevations. The front provides two parking spaces, and there are a limited number of on-street parking spaces within the area.”

“The neighbourhood is residential in character and properties are of a similar size and design.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier eight-bedroom HMO application was withdrawn, while a certificate application for extensions, loft accommodation and fenestration was partly approved and partly refused.

“Appeal: 25/P/00311 Change of use from an existing dwelling house under C3 to an 8 bedroom HMO under Sui Generis and the addition of a single storey side/rear extension and loft conversion. Withdrawn 11/06/2025 N/A”

“24/P/01785 Certificate of lawfulness for a proposed development to establish whether the erection of a single storey rear/side extension, conversion of loft space to habitable accommodation with changes to fenestration and two front roof lights would be lawful. Part Approved, Part Refused 04/03/2025 N/A”

Officer report

Protected heath mitigation

The site lies within the protected heath buffer, requiring contributions of £12,764.57 for SANGS and £1,497.63 for SAMM through a legal agreement.

“As the application would result in the net gain of new residential units, in order for the development to be acceptable in planning terms, a S106 agreement is required as part of any subsequent planning approval to secure a financial contribution towards the delivery, maintenance and management of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS) within the borough and to Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM), in line with the Guildford Borough Council TBHSPA…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority sought electric vehicle and cycle measures, the environmental health officer had no objection, and no representation letters were received.

“A condition requiring a fast-charge Electric Vehicle charging point to be provided in the existing parking area [Officer Note: this is a matter which is controlled by Building Regulations, therefore this condition will not be imposed.]”

“Environmental Health Officer: no objection.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer presented the application, and the committee noted that the alterations to the dwelling would be permitted development.

Members’ discussion

Members asked no questions before the motion to approve was proposed and seconded.

“There were no questions from members of the Committee.”

“The person presiding, Councillor James Jones moved the motion to approve application 25/P/00890 and Councillor Maddy Redpath seconded the motion which was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report.

“RESOLVED: That application 25/P/00890 be approved subject to the conditions and reasons as detailed in the report.”

Minutes