19-person HMO at 24-26 The Polygon, Southampton

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a guest house into a 19-person HMO and inserting a ground-floor door to the rear.

“Proposed development: Change of use from a guest house to a 19-person house in multiple occupation (HMO, class Sui Generis) and insertion of ground floor door to rear (Amended Description).”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site is a two-storey terraced guest house near the city centre, surrounded by hardstanding used for parking and adjoining varied housing types.

“This application site is located on the edge of the northern boundary of the city centre. The site lies on the southern side of The Polygon which includes a varied mix of housing styles and types, including flatted blocks/conversions, serviced and guest house accommodation, houses-in multiple occupation, and family homes.”

“The site comprises an existing 25 bed Guest House (including 23 guest beds and 2 staff beds). The Guest House is a 2 storey terraced building with living space in the roof and lower ground floor (served by light wells and windowless communal spaces). The inner courtyard is currently opened up with the adjoining property at no. The Polygon. The building is surrounded by hardstanding used for parking…”

Officer report

Earlier applications and changes

The application was deferred over concerns about lower-ground-floor accommodation, after which bedrooms were removed, communal space increased and further consultation took place.

“At the Panel meeting on 1 st July 2025 the Planning Panel resolved to defer the decision on this application because of concerns regarding the quality of the living accommodation, particularly for occupants living in the Lower Ground Floor. An extract of the item minutes from 1 st July Panel meeting is appended to Appendix 6.”

“Consequently the layout of the HMO has been amended (as listed in section 2) and a further 21-day public consultation has been carried out, expiring on 24 th October. The application is returning to Panel to be reconsidered with the same Officer recommendation to grant permission following a satisfactory mechanism to secure contributions towards habitats (as per above).”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, environmental health, HMO licensing and sustainability officers raised no objection subject to conditions, while Natural England’s concerns were addressed through mitigation.

“Officer’s Response: A full response is provided within the considerations section below. However, amendmenst have since been secured, the size of bedrooms and communal rooms satisfies the HMO licensing standards and a communal laundry room is now provided. Natural England Objection…”

“Natural England will be correctly notified pursuant to section 28I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 that the council intends to grant planning permission for this development. Highways No Objection…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent addressed the Panel, and a statement from another person was received, circulated, read and posted online.

The vote and decision

The Panel confirmed the habitats assessment and carried the recommendation to delegate permission subject to conditions, mitigation and powers to refuse if necessary.

“Upon being put to the vote the Panel confirmed the Habitats Regulation Assessment.”

Minutes