Seven-bedroom eight-person HMO at 24 Eastbourne Road, Trowbridge

What was proposed

The application sought to change a six-bedroom, six-person HMO into a seven-bedroom, eight-person HMO by converting second-floor storage.

“This is a full application seeking planning permission to change the use of the property from a 6 bed 6 person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to a 7 bed 8 person HMO.”

“As proposed, the scheme involves the conversion of storage space at second floor level to provide a seventh bedroom as detailed in the floor plans included on the next page.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The detached dwelling has two off-road parking spaces, sits in a residential area near listed buildings, and previously received approval for an extension.

“24 Eastbourne Road is a detached 2 storey dwelling located within the settlement limits of Trowbridge. The applicant asserts in their planning statement that the C3 dwelling has been converted to a six-bedroom C4 House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), carried out using permitted development rights.”

“The subject property is unlisted and located within a mainly residential area. The property has a fairly large rear garden (as shown in the insert below) bordered by a fence/wall and small front garden bordered by a low stone wall. Two dedicated off-road parking spaces are currently available to the property, and these are detailed on the submitted block plan.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council objected overdevelopment, amenity, parking and waste, while highways raised no objection subject to securing both parking spaces.

“Trowbridge Town Council: Objects due to overdevelopment of the site, which would have an adverse impact on neighbourhood amenity and contrary to core policy 57 & 61. Furthermore, there would be additional pressures on parking and waste.”

“Highways Team: No objection subject to a condition requiring the 2 off road parking spaces be made available for use by occupants of the property…”

Officer report

Concerns from residents

Residents objected to traffic, parking, overcrowding, poor shared facilities, bins, noise, loss of family housing, insulation and fire safety.

“Highway safety issues/ additional traffic/ impact on nursery opposite site • Parking problems • Cars often park on the current off road parking space sticking out into the pavement • Only one lawful off-street parking space is provided (with a dropped kerb).”

“No insulation or efficiency upgrades have been made to match the intensified use • Fire safety concerns…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two people spoke against the application, while the agent and two applicants spoke in support; the local member also spoke against it.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the existing HMO, the two additional occupants, highway concerns, the spread of HMOs and their role in providing affordable housing.

“Cllr Palmén moved that the application be refused, seconded by Cllr Bill Parks, with reference to Core Policies 64, 57,61, and the National Planning Policy Framework Paragraphs 115-117.”

“The Committee debated the motion, noting that the HMO was already in place and the proposal was an increase of a further two occupants. The high level of highways reasons to refuse on those grounds was raised. The potential impact of further HMOs in an area was noted, with other comments that HMOs provided affordable housing options.”

Minutes

The vote

Members rejected the motion to refuse and then moved to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.

“A motion to approve the application in accordance with the officer recommendation was then moved by Cllr Ernie Clark, seconded by Cllr Mike Phillips. There being no further debate, it was then…”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

Planning permission was granted with conditions requiring commencement within three years, compliance with approved plans and retention of two parking spaces.

“That Planning Permission be granted subject to the following conditions:”

“That for the avoidance of any doubt, the two off road parking spaces as detailed on approved plan drg no. 673-09 rev B shall be kept free of obstruction and made available for the parking of private motor vehicles for the occupiers of the HMO hereby approved and that these spaces shall be retained in perpetuity for the lifetime of the permission.”

Minutes