Agenda item - BH2017/03684, 50 Chailey Road, Brighton - Full Planning

Change of use from 3 bedroom single dwelling (C3) to a 5 bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (C4) including revised fenestration to the rear elevation.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Moulsecoomb & Bevendean

Change of use from 3 bedroom single dwelling (C3) to a 5 bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (C4) including revised fenestration to the rear elevation.

            Officer Presentation

(1)          The Principal Planning Officer, Gareth Giles introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to plans, elevational drawings and photographs. It was noted that the main considerations in determining the application related to the principle of the change of use, the impact upon neighbouring amenity, the standard of accommodation to be provided, transport issues and the impact on the character and appearance of the property and the surrounding area. The proposal would allow occupation of the property as a small HMO providing accommodation for 5 unrelated individuals who would share basic amenities including a kitchen, living/dining room and bathroom.

(2).         A mapping exercise had been undertaken and had indicated that there were 33 properties within a 50m radius. One other property had been identified as being in either Class C4, mixed C3/C4 or other types of HMO in a sui generis use within the 50m radius. The percentage of existing HMO’s within the designated area was therefore 3%. The existing layout of the property would be amended significantly in order to allow for a new kitchen/dining room, a separate living room, WC and a single bedroom at ground floor level. Four single bedrooms would be provided at first floor level. The provision of one bathroom was considered the minimum acceptable level for five occupants and on that basis occupancy would be secured by condition.

(3)          The proposed change of use would result in an increase in intensity of the use of the building due to more frequent comings and goings in addition to general movements and disturbance within the house. The applicant had proposed additional soundproofing to be installed on either party wall in order to alleviate some of the noise impact to neighbouring properties. The soundproofing measures were welcomed and would be secured by condition. Given the low proportion of other HMO’s in the immediate vicinity the level of additional activity was considered acceptable and approval was recommended.

              Questions for Officers

(4)          Councillor Miller asked to see floorplans showing the location of bedrooms and the bathroom, seeking confirmation that the living area could not be converted to use as a bedroom and it was confirmed that this would be controlled by condition.

(5)          Councillor Inkpin-Leissner sought confirmation that permitted development rights had been removed and that planning permission would need to be sought if further works were planned in future. It was confirmed that this would be controlled by proposed Condition 5.

              Debate and Decision Making Process

(6)          A vote was taken and on a vote of 9 with 3 abstentions Planning permission was granted

109.8    RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives also set out in the report.