Agenda item

The Committee considered the above-mentioned full application for change of use from an existing dwelling house (Use Class C3) to a 7-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) (Sui Generis). 

The Joint Assistant Director for Planning, Claire Upton-Brown clarified that Councillor Howard Smith had not referred this application to the Committee, but rather she had referred it, owing to the interest and discussion surrounding HMOs at the Council.

The Committee received a presentation from the Senior Planning Officer, Katie Williams.  The Committee noted that the site was located in the urban area of Guildford and consisted of a pair of semi-detached dwellings on the western side of Applegarth Avenue.  The property had the benefit of planning permission for extensions which had been constructed to create a 7-bedroom dwelling.  Three parking spaces would be retained however the County Highway Authority was concerned that there was insufficient space for three vehicles and required a condition for the applicant to demonstrate how this was to be achieved.  In addition, a condition was recommended to secure the details of bin and cycle storage.  Two bedrooms were proposed on the ground floor with five bedrooms on the first floor.

In conclusion, the proposed HMO could be provided without any further changes or extensions to the property.  There was a requirement to widen the driveway that could be secured by condition.  It was considered by planning officers that the proposed HMO would not have an adverse impact on the character or effect the balance of housing types in the area.  The application was therefore recommended for approval, subject to the conditions as detailed in the report.        

The Chairperson, Councillor King agreed to permit Councillor Howard Smith to speak in his capacity as ward councillor for this application.  He was therefore not a part of the Committee, gave his speech and left the room for the duration of the debate and decision made.

The Committee noted concerns raised by Councillor Smith that a more prescriptive policy was required to help manage the number of HMOs permitted in any one area.  Worplesdon Parish Council had also submitted concerns regarding the scenario in Applegarth Avenue which was welcomed.  If family homes were lost in the long term, then this would have an effect upon local schools and their viability moving forward. 

The Committee discussed the application and noted that the same amendments needed to be made to the conditions in relation to parking, to ensure that the driveway was made of a permeable surface.  

A motion was moved and seconded to approve the application which was carried.

In conclusion, having taken consideration of the representations received in relation to this application, the Committee

RESOLVED to approve application 24/P/00471 subject to the amended condition in relation to ensuring the driveway was constructed of a permeable surface as detailed above and:

(i)                That a S106 Agreement be entered into to secure the provision of:

·        SANG and SAMM Contributions in accordance with the adopted tariff of the SPA Avoidance Strategy to mitigate against the impact on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

(ii)              That upon completion of the above, the application be determined by the Head of Place.  The preliminary view is that the application should be granted subject to conditions.