Agenda item - Chair's Communications

28.1       The Chair drew the Committees’ attention to appeal decisions set out at pages 311 and 315 of the agenda papers relating to applications in respect of 15 and 17 Bernard Road, Brighton respectively. Both related to terraced houses in a residential street where there was a mixture of single dwellings and houses in multiple occupation (HMO-’s), both had proposed a change of use to HMO’s. The Inspector had considered that the main issue in each case had related to the effect of the proposed development on the character of the surrounding community with particular reference to the need to ensure a mixed and balanced community and local amenity. Both appeals had been dismissed and given the very real concerns expressed by residents in certain wards in relation to the number of HMO’s there, these decisions provided a benchmark for the future.

28.2       The Chair reminded those present that the proceedings of that afternoon’s meeting were to be webcast and would be available subsequently for repeated viewing.