Seven-bedroom homeless HMO at Harewood, 17 Torquay Road, Kingskerswell

What was proposed

The proposal would convert a five-bedroom property into a seven-bedroom HMO providing temporary accommodation for homeless households, with communal facilities and six parking spaces.

“The proposal seeks permission for the conversion of the property into a 7-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for provision of temporary accommodation for homeless households. This is a TDC application where the Council has entered a conditional contract to purchase Harewood House, subject to planning. It is intended that the property would be managed by the Council thereafter. 3.10.”

“The rear garden amenity space is intended to be provided to future occupants on a communal basis. The existing detached garage is proposed for storage and laundry as appropriate service connections already exist.”

Officer report

The site and its use

The property is a large detached house on the main route through Kingskerswell, formerly a guesthouse and more recently an Airbnb property.

“The development shall thereafter be carried out and operated in accordance with the approved plan. REASON: In the interest of ensuring that the property is appropriately managed and maintained for the visual and residential amenity of the area. DESCRIPTION Planning history 3.1. None of direct relevance. The site 3.2. The application site is located within the southern part of Kingskerswell on Torquay Road - the main route through the settlement. 3.3.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended conditional approval, finding the proposal complied with local plans and that tackling homelessness supported the application.

“Conclusions 3.43. In conclusion, the proposal is considered to comply with the provisions of the current and emerging Local Plan as assessed above. The need to tackle homelessness and for the Council to fulfil its duties on appropriate provision of temporary accommodation is a genuine material planning consideration that also weighs in favour of the proposal. On that basis, conditional approval is recommended. POLICY DOCUMENTS Teignbridge Local Plan 2013-2033”

Officer report

Main planning issues

Officers considered the effects on neighbours, future occupants, parking, waste, flooding, biodiversity and the character of the area acceptable.

“Impact upon the character and visual amenity of the area 3.21. The scheme presents minimal external changes to the building and the garden/curtilage area. Therefore, there would be no impact on the character and visual amenity of the street scene and the area. Impact on heritage assets 3.22. Concerns have been raised by third parties in respect of the impact of the proposal on the Conservation Area and Listed Buildings.”

“On the above basis the proposal is considered acceptable in respect residential amenity of future occupiers in compliance with policy S1 of the Teignbridge Local Plan, and policies GP1 and H12 of the emerging Teignbridge Local Plan. Impact on ecology/biodiversity 3.31. The proposed physical works to the building are minimal and would not affect any habitats, roosting bats or nesting birds.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

consultees raised no objections on waste, biodiversity, highways, housing or environmental health, while fire safety requirements would be assessed through Building Regulations.

“National Planning Policy Framework National Planning Practice Guidance 5. CONSULTEES TDC Waste • No concerns as sufficient room for bin storage within the grounds. TDC Biodiversity • No objection DCC Highways • No objection in principle, however seeking confirmation on the use of the existing mobile home. • No further objections raised following clarification of the use of the mobile home. TDC Housing Officer • Amenities of the property have been considered.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Sixteen objections cited concerns including noise, parking, overcrowding, waste, amenity space, community balance, antisocial behaviour and heritage, while two letters supported low-cost housing.

“Sixteen letters of objection have been received which have raised the following planning related concerns (as summarised): • Concerns over impact of proposal on the heritage assets in Kingskerswell and the Conservation Area.”

“Concerns over the type of use introducing density of living not in-keeping with Kingskerswell’s rural and family focused community. • Concerns that the occupation of the HMO would over-intensive with increase comings and goings creating noise and disturbance. • Proposal would place pressure on outdoor amenity space. • Concerns over the creation of excess refuse and waste.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Housing Enabling and Development Manager supported the application, referring to homelessness duties, standards, communal facilities and the non-residential use of the mobile home.

Members’ debate

Members were advised that parking would be managed, highways had no objection, bin storage was adequate, housing standards were met and the premises would be managed.

“The Committee referred to the agenda report, additional information on the published updates document, and that the application was the subject of a site inspection held on 13 November 2026. The Area Team Manager presented the application.”

“It was proposed by Cllr Palethorpe and seconded by Cllr Nuttall that planning permission be granted as set out in the agenda. In response to further questions from Members, it was confirmed that the premises would be managed. RESOLVED That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions: The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiry of three years from the date of this permission.”

Minutes