Agenda item - BH2013/01366 - 35 Uplands Road, Brighton - Full Planning Permission

Change of use from single dwelling (C3) to House in Multiple Occupation (C4).

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Change of use from single dwelling (C3) to House in Multiple Occupation (C4).

(1)                   The Area Planning Manager introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. It was noted that this was the first application since the introduction of the new Article 4 Direction to come before the Committee. The proposals included the creation of a fourth bedroom on the ground floor. The application had been extended to the side, and it was noted that there was off street parking, and the area was not part of a controlled parking zone (CPZ), but there was some concern from local residents in relation to parking. The small front garden was also considered appropriate for storage of refuse and recycling; there was also potential space on the site for secure cycle storage, but full details of this would be necessary before occupation. The application had been assessed against policy CP21 from the emerging City Plan as the adopted Local Plan was silent on the matter of HMOs; the policy sought to prevent over intensification, and it had been demonstrated that an HMO in this location was in line with policy. The application was recommended for approval for the reasons set out in the report.

Questions for Officers

(2)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Davey that there would be no physical alterations to the outside of the building.

(3)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Gilbey that the location of refuse and recycling storage would be secured through condition before occupation.

(4)                   Councillor Hyde stated that she was of the view that the policy had sought to protect family homes from being turned into HMOs, but it was instead being used to justify the introduction of a small HMO. In response Officers explained that the policy sought to control the number of HMOs and give the Council an opportunity to assess the proposals.

(5)                   It was confirmed for Councillor Gilbey that the application would allow no more than six people to live in the premises.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(6)                   Councillor Carol Theobald stated that she thought the application was step backwards, and the property should be retained as a family home.

(7)                   A vote was taken and planning permission was granted on a vote of 8 to 1 with 1 abstention.

18.4       RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 11 of the report and the policies and guidance in section 7 of the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in section 11 of the report.

              Note: Councillors Littman and Wakefield were not present at the meeting.