Agenda item - BH2016/05803 - 22 Freshfield Street, Brighton - Full Planning

Change of use from four bedroom maisonette (C3) to six bedroom small house in multiple occupation (C4).

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Queen’s Park

Change of use from four bedroom maisonette (C3) to six bedroom small house in multiple occupation (C4).

1)               It was noted that the application had been the subject of a site visit prior to the meeting.

Officer Presentation

2)               The Principle Planning Officer, Gareth Giles, introduced the application and gave a presentation with reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings and highlighted the further information circulated and published in the addendum.

3)               It was explained that there was one existing HMO within a 50 metres radius of the site and the potential HMOs raised at the previous Planning Committee were checked against the planning records and there were not any additional known in the area. 

4)               The Officer noted that the bedrooms were all above the national minimum standard. The Officer explained that the head height of the loft room was up to 1.8 metres; however, some areas of the room were less than 1.5 metres in height. It was noted that the area above 1.5 metres in head height was compliant with the national minimum standard of 7.5m².

5)               It was explained that the HMO housing licensing size standard was 6.5m² and the national planning size standard was 7.5m².

Questions for Officers

6)               In response to Councillor C. Theobald it was noted that there were communal bathrooms on the first floor for the residents and also on the second floor to use.

Debate and Decision Making Process

7)               Councillor Inkpin-Leissner noted that it was unnecessary for the report to highlight objections received by the residents stating that an HMO would attract homeless people that would encourage antisocial behaviour. He also explained that he would not be supporting the Officer’s recommendation as there would be too many residents in one property.

8)               Councillor C. Theobald noted that the loft room would have been ideal as a double bedroom.

9)               Councillor Moonan explained that she was concerned for the loft room and agreed with Councillor C. Theobald that it would make an ideal double bedroom. She explained that the rooms were within the national space standards and the Council would not win at appeal stage; therefore, would be supporting the Officer’s recommendation.

10)            Councillor Miller noted that he would not be supporting the Officer’s recommendation as the loft room was unacceptable and he was concerned for the amenity of the residents.

11)            Councillor Hyde noted concern for the loft room; however, as it complied with the policy she would be abstaining from the vote.

12)            The Chair then put the application to the vote and the Officer recommendation was carried with 6 in support, 3 against and 2 abstentions.

150.2    RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration the Officer recommendation and resolves to grant planning permission subject to the conditions and informative set out in section 1.

Note: Councillor Morris was not present for the consideration and vote on this application.