Seven-bedroom HMO at 70 Southway, Guildford

“Location: Southway, Guildford, GU2 8DF Proposal: Change of use from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a 7-Bed house of multiple occupation (Sui Generis), retention of single storey rear extension and provision of additional hardstanding within front garden.”

“As part of the extension and conversion works gravel hardstanding was laid within the front garden. In response to comments from the County Highway Authority, the applicant has submitted amended plans proposing a hard-bound surfacing material that would replace the area currently covered by the gravel.”

“The site comprises a recently extended two storey semi-detached property with second floor living accommodation in the roofspace. The property is currently occupied and licensed as a 5-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO). The existing internal layout of the property is capable of being used as a 7-bed HMO and the case officer’s site visit confirmed that the sixth and seventh bedroom are currently vacant.”

“There is one parking space on the driveway and the remainder of the front garden has recently been covered in gravel hardstanding. There is an existing hedge along the front boundary and a bus stop and shelter are located immediately in front of the property.”

“The erection of a single storey rear extension to the property was approved in February 2025 under application 24/P/01805. The proposed plans approved under this application show the extended property to be retained as a 3-bed dwellinghouse (Class C3) with living accommodation on three floors.”

“The use of the dwelling at the site for a 7-bed HMO is considered acceptable and would not adversely affect the balance of housing types within the locality. The proposal would also not be out of character with the surrounding area or cause harm to the amenities of neighbouring properties. It is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and a S106 to secure the TBHSPA mitigation.”

“County Highway Authority: No objection subject to conditions.”

“Environmental Health Officer: No objections.”

“In discussion, Members queried parking provision, noting that only one on-site space was proposed for a seven-bedroom HMO in an area where on-street parking was already under pressure. Officers advised that the site lies in a sustainable urban location close to the university and hospital with a bus stop immediately outside the property, and that Surrey County Council as highway authority had raised no objection.”

“Members noted that a six-bedroom HMO could operate with the same level of parking without requiring planning permission, and that members were, in effect, asked to consider whether one additional occupant would give rise to unacceptable impact.”

“The Chair then moved the motion to approve application 25-P-01299, with delegated authority granted to the Joint Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission subject to a S106 agreement being entered into to secure the provision of SANG and SAMM Contributions in accordance with the adopted tariff of the SPA Avoidance Strategy to mitigate against the impact on the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area, and subject to the condition and reasons set out in…”

“RESOLVED: That application 25-P-01299 be approved, with delegated authority granted to the Joint Assistant Director of Planning to grant planning permission subject to a S106 agreement being entered into to secure the provision of SANG and SAMM Contributions in accordance with the adopted tariff of the SPA Avoidance Strategy to mitigate against the impact on the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area, and subject to the condition and reasons set out in the Officer’s…”