8-bedroom HMO at 59 Teg Down Meads, Winchester

What was proposed

The application sought to change a six-bedroom HMO into an eight-bedroom HMO without external building changes, with parking and storage provided.

“The proposal is for the change of use from a 6-bed house in multiple occupation (C4) to an 8-bed house in multiple occupation (Sui-generis). The proposal does not include any external changes to the building itself with the plans shwoing ample parking for at least 3 cars along with a bin store to the front and bike store to the rear.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site is a two-storey semi-detached house, previously permitted for extensions and later changed to a six-bedroom HMO under permitted development.

“The site is located to the east of Teg Down Meads and consists of a two-storey semi- detached dwelling with the access and parking located to the west of the dwelling. The area itself consists of two-storey semi-detached dwellings with various developments visible within the area.”

“-19/00277/HOU - Demolition of existing garage, chimney and associated porch. Construction of two storey side and single storey rear extension. Extension of existing driveway.- Permitted 29.03.2019”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the change was considered acceptable in principle and would not significantly harm the area’s character or neighbouring residential amenity.

“The application site is situated within the defined settlement boundary of Winchester. The principle of the change of use from a 6-bed HMO (C4) to a 8-bed HMO (sui-generis) is considered acceptable in principle in accordance with policy DM1 of the LPP2 subject to compliance with the development plan as a whole and material planning considerations.”

“The proposed increase in bedrooms does not include any external changes to the dwelling, with the dwelling already having a C4 use. The change will see an increase to the number of occupants from 6 to 8 tenants.”

Officer report

Main planning effects

The assessment found no significant harm to neighbouring amenity, parking, highway safety, ecology or the surrounding area’s character.

“Neighbouring amenity The site has adjoining neighbouring properties along its north, east and southern boundaries. However, the proposed development does not include any development which affects scale or massing of the dwelling, nor does it include any additional gazing. The bin and bike store to the site are along the boundary, however are low level structures and will be behind existing boundary treatment.”

“Sustainable Transport The site has a large parking area to the front of the dwelling which notes on the plans to be able to accommodate at least 3 allocated spaces, however it is possible to accommodate more. The site includes a bike store. The site is within 100 metres of 2 bus stops along with pedestrian access available from the site to nearby amenities.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Council housing and environmental health officers raised no objection, while the City of Winchester Trust also raised no objection.

“Service Lead – Private Sector Housing • No Objection or comments to the proposal.”

“Service Lead – Public Protection (Environmental Health) • No Objection or comments to the proposal.”

Officer report

Objections raised

Nineteen objections cited concerns about residential use, precedent, overdevelopment, living conditions, antisocial behaviour, parking and neighbouring amenity.

“Objecting Representations received from different addresses citing the following material planning reasons: • Inappropriate use in a residential area…”

“Set precedent in the area • Overdevelopment of the area • Change to the living environment in the area • Antisocial behaviour • Parking issues for 8 residents • Impact upon neighbouring amenity…”

Officer report

Public speakers

A speaker objected to the application and another speaker supported it during public participation.

Members’ discussion

Members asked questions, debated the application and received legal advice about the conditions controlling the number of occupants.

“The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application and received advice from the Legal Officer concerning the conditions relating to the allowed number of occupants.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives in the report and update sheet.

“RESOLVED The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report and the update sheet.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

Permission limits occupation to eight tenants, requires approved plans, and requires water-efficiency and nutrient-mitigation measures before occupation.

“The development hereby approved shall be constructed in accordance with the following plans: - Site Plan- Received 23.06.2022 - Floor Plans- Revised Proposal - Dwg No. 826/03- Received 23.06.2022”

“The development hereby permitted shall NOT BE OCCUPIED until: a) A water efficiency calculation which demonstrates that no more than 110 litres of water per person per day shall be consumed within the development, and this calculation has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority b) All measures forming part of the nitrogen and phosphates mitigation have been secured and submitted to the Local Planning Authority.”

Officer report