Seven-bedroom HMO at 366 Hill Lane, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a seven-bedroom HMO for up to seven unrelated people, with shared facilities and limited external changes.

“Proposal 2.1 The proposal is for a change of use of the property to a (Sui-Generis) House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to 7 unrelated individuals within seven bedrooms.”

“The proposal includes limited external alteration to the property. The french doors to the rear will be replaced by a door and a window serving the rear bedroom and a door providing access to the rear amenity area from the communal living space. The existing garage will be converted into a store and utility room with the garage door replaced with a single access door and window on the front elevation.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a sizeable two-storey house with a garage and rear amenity space in an area of homes, flats and commercial uses near a local centre.

“The site contains a sizeable two storey dwelling house. It has a rectangular footprint with a garage set deep into the site to the south of the property. The plot is long and thin with a generous amenity space to the rear.”

“The area has a mixed character including residential properties, flats, and car sales. Approximately 70m to the southeast of the site is the Winchester Road Local Centre. This centre contains a variety of uses including convenience stores, a pharmacy, dentist, café and restaurants/takeaways.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and works

An earlier rear-extension application remains pending, while permitted development works to the boundary and inside the property have already started.

“Works have commenced on site; the front boundary treatment has been removed and internal works to the property have commenced. The works undertaken are permitted development and do not require express planning consent.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission subject to conditions and habitat mitigation, finding the proposal acceptable under planning policies and other material considerations.

“Reason for granting Permission The development is acceptable taking into account the policies and proposals of the Development Plan as set out below. Other material considerations have been considered and are not judged to have sufficient weight to justify a refusal of the application, and where applicable conditions have been applied in order to satisfy these matters.”

“Delegate to the Head of Transport and Planning to grant planning permission subject to the planning conditions recommended at the end of this report and the payment of a contribution towards the Solent Disturbance Mitigation Project (SDMP).”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, Environmental Health and HMO Licensing raised no objection subject to measures, while Natural England identified habitat effects requiring mitigation.

“Environmental Health Environmental Health Neighbourhoods Team have no objections in principle to this application. I recommend a condition for hours of construction and demolition work.”

“HMO Licensing No objection subject to complying with internal HMO standards with respect to the kitchen facilities (sinks, cookers, microwaves etc..) and the same with the bathroom and shower rooms together with details of any mechanical ventilation/extractor fans. The property needs to meet fire regulations throughout the property an ensure that sufficient bin storage is provided to comply with the Council's Waste Management Scheme.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and Councillor Wood addressed the Panel, while statements from two other people and Councillor Wood were received and circulated.

The vote

The Panel unanimously confirmed the Habitats Regulation Assessment and approved the remaining recommendations to delegate permission.

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

“The Panel then considered the remaining recommendations that authority be delegated to the Director of Transport and Planning to grant planning permission subject to criteria listed in the report. Upon being put to the vote the recommendations were carried unanimously.”

Minutes