Decision details

Change of use to 5 bed house in multiple occupation.

The Planning Area Team Leader presented the report.

Members then took part in a full debate on the application where a number of points were raised and responded to by Officers, including:

·       the number of HMOs in the area and whether there were too many

·       the perceived harm caused by HMOs to the area and its character

·       how occupancy was controlled

·       the lack of parking in the area

·       HMOs removing properties from other uses

The Planning Area Team Leader confirmed that as far as controls on the number of HMOs in an area there was the policy in the Local Plan and, where planning permission was needed for HMOs with an occupancy greater than 6 people, the judgement of Members and Officers to determine at what point enough became too many. The Group Head of Planning confirmed that work was currently being undertaken to explore the number of HMOs in any one Ward of the District, but that from his research into appeal decisions, there would need to be significantly higher concentrations of HMOs to justify refusal on the grounds of overconcentration.

The recommendations were then proposed and seconded.

The Committee

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED CONDITIONALLY as detailed in the report subject to the conditions as detailed.