Seven-bedroom HMO at 1 Stanley Walk, Horsham

What was proposed

The application sought to change an existing dwelling into a seven-bedroom HMO, with no external alterations and only internal works.

“Planning permission is sought for a change of use of the dwelling from a residential use (use C3) to a larger 7-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (sui generis). No external alterations are proposed to the existing building- all proposed works are internal.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey end-of-terrace dwelling with front and rear gardens and permit-controlled on-street parking in a built-up area.

“The application relates to a two-storey end of terrace dwelling located on the north-eastern corner of Park Terrace East (Stanley Walk). The dwelling is composed of a buff brick facing to all elevations, with red tile hanging at the first-floor front and rear elevations and hosts a pitched roof with a side facing gable finished in brown concrete pantiles. The dwelling benefit from a modest front and rear garden curtilage, and on-street parking (permit).”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application to convert the dwelling into two homes, with a rear extension and front porch, was permitted in 2022.

“DC/22/1400 Conversion of existing dwelling into 2No. residential dwellings, two-storey rear extension and front porch Application Permitted on 16.12.2022”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, Southern Water and Natural England raised no objection, while environmental health set licensing and safety requirements and drainage comments were noted.

“The Environmental Health Department has confirmed that the proposed seven-bedroom HMO at 1 Stanley Walk will require licensing. The property must comply with Housing Standards legislation, including minimum room sizes, adequate heating, ventilation, lighting, and fire safety measures. Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities must meet specific…”

“Natural England: No Objection [Summary] Subject to appropriate mitigations being secured.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Twenty-six representations objected over parking, noise, amenity, antisocial behaviour, infrastructure, bins, crime and other effects, with the neighbourhood council also objecting.

“Increase in parking pressures • Loss of light to neighbouring gardens • Overdevelopment • Unsuitable living / amenity standards • Increased noise disturbances • Increase anti-social behaviour • Reduced sense of community • Setting a precedent in the area • Insufficient infrastructure in the area • No consideration for disabled users • Insufficient bin storage • Increased crime • Impact on housing prices in the area…”

Officer report

Who spoke

One member of the public spoke against the application and one spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members noted the planning history and discussed fire safety inside the property and existing parking problems in the area.

“Members noted the planning history of the application.”

“Members discussed fire safety within the property and existing issues with parking in the area.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“That DC/25/1198 be approved in accordance with officer recommendation.”

Minutes