Eight-bedroom HMO at 52 Mount Pleasant Road, Hastings

What was proposed

The application proposed changing mixed commercial and residential premises into an eight-bedroom HMO and replacing front and rear windows.

“AGENDA ITEM NO: 4(a) Report to: PLANNING COMMITTEE Date of Meeting: November 2025 Report from: Planning Services Manager Application address:52 Mount Pleasant Road, Hastings, TN34 3SH Proposal:Change of use of from mixed use premises (Class E - Commercial, Business and Service and Class C3 - residential) to 8 no.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered a single-storey building linked to the funeral business and roofing over its yard.

“Cycle parking and bin storage is also provided. The application is supported by the following documents: ·Justification Statement ·Design and Access Statement ·Site Waste Management Plan Relevant planning history Application No. HS/FA/82/00681 Description Erection of single storey building to be used in conjunction with existing funeral business. Decision Permission with conditions on 02/02/83 Application No.”

Officer report

Questions and speakers

Members questioned HMO enforcement, parking, highways, smoking arrangements and antisocial behaviour, while officers explained the relevant controls and site arrangements.

What members debated

Members supported the accommodation, transport links, room standards, window improvements, kitchenettes and lockable bin store, while concerns about monitoring were discussed.

“Councillor Collins was concerned about the effectiveness of the monitoring of HMOs and said that complaints about antisocial behaviour from HMOs were frequent. The Chair responded that the broader matter of antisocial behaviour was not a consideration for the application before Members but might be suitable for review by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.”

“Councillor Horn commented positively on the design of the HMO, particularly the individual kitchenettes and shared bathrooms, and welcomed the inclusion of the lockable bin store, which addressed concerns about waste management.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Beaver proposed approval, Councillor Sinden seconded it, and the committee voted unanimously in favour.

“Councillor Beaver proposed approval of the application, seconded by Councillor Sinden, whereupon the Committee:”

“Grant Full Planning Permission subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes

Conditions of permission

Permission requires approved plans, cycle and waste storage, working hours, external materials and commencement within three years.

“Prior to first occupation, the cycle storage details approved to the following specification must be fully implemented in accordance with the approved location detailed in drawing no. HAST52MPR004 REV. The approved cycle storage must be retained and maintained thereafter for the lifetime of the deveopment.”

“Prior to first occupation, the waste and recycling storage details to fit 8 no. wheelie bins approved to the following specification must be fully implemented in accordance with the approved location detailed in drawing no. HAST52MPR004 REV F. The approved waste and recycling storage must be retained and maintained thereafter for the lifetime of the development.”

Minutes