Two HMOs at 1 Ambleside Drive

“The application site is on the northern side of Ambleside Drive at its junction with Southchurch Avenue. The site contains a two-storey, end-of-terrace building with a two- storey outrigger and a smaller, two-storey, flat roofed projection to the rear. The building formerly comprised three flats and a vacant shop unit. To the front of the site is a hard surfaced area for parking and an existing vehicle crossover onto Ambleside Drive.”

“To the rear (north) of the site is the railway line and immediately to the west is Southchurch Avenue, a classified road which bridges the railway line and rises up to the north adjacent to the application site. This part of Southchurch Avenue is at a significantly higher level than the application site, rising to midway up the elevation of the western facade of the building. The wider surrounding area is residential in character.”

“The site was described by the applicant as three former flats in previous applications; 22/01038/FUL; 22/01897/FUL and 22/02354/FUL (the 2023 permission) but it is described as two existing flats in the application form for the current proposal. Council tax records confirm 3 former flats (Upper 1, Lower 1 and Studio Flat Rear of 1) until August 2023 and the application is assessed on this basis.”

“Table 1: Relevant Planning History of the Application Site Reference Description Outcome 22/02354/FUL (the 2023 permission): Erect two storey side and rear extension, single storey rear extension, insert 3 rooflights to front and side elevations and convert existing three self-contained flats and class E retail unit to provide four self-contained flats, layout parking spaces, bin and cycle storage to front (Amended Proposal).”

“Having taken all material planning considerations into account, it is found that subject to compliance with the recommended conditions, the development is acceptable and compliant with the relevant planning policies and guidance. The principle of the development for two HMOs is acceptable. The development has an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the site, the streetscene and the surrounding area.”

“GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION subject to the following conditions:”

“Forty (40) neighbouring properties were notified of the application by letter and a site notice was displayed. No representations have been received. A second round of neighbour consultation is currently ongoing at the time of writing this report due to an updated description and expires on 17 June 2025. Any representations received will be included in the supplementary report to Members.”

“No objection, subject to conditions relating to noise protection for future occupiers and refuse and recycling.”

“The Essex HMO Standards state that each single occupancy bedroom must be a minimum of 11sqm where a shared dining or living space is not provided. All of the proposed bedrooms would exceed the Essex HMO Standards for single occupancy. The size of the kitchens is also acceptable and in line with the standards as they exceed 8.5sqm.”

“The rear garden area is shown for the occupiers of Flat 1 (the ground floor HMO) and is of a usable size and shape and is considered sufficient to provide acceptable living conditions for the occupiers of the development. No amenity space is shown for the occupiers of the upper floors HMO.”

“That PLANNING PERMISSION be REFUSED for the following reason:”

“The development, with reference to the minimum size standards prescribed by the Essex HMO Amenity Standards (2018), does not provide sufficiently sized en- suite shower rooms and communal facilities for the level of achievable occupancy.”