Agenda item - BH2025/00230 - 47 Eastbrook Road, Portslade - Full Planning

1.    The case officer introduced the application to the committee.

Speakers

2.    Robert Selvey addressed the committee as a resident and stated that there were some 70 houses in the road, and they had spoken to residents of approximately 63 of them. The speaker represented the residents who had many objections. Parking is an issue in this street of families, as was the over development of this small home. The resident wished to focus on two issues: a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) would reduce the number of family homes on the market and the developer tried to undermine the planning process with many previous applications, some retrospective.

3.    John Wright addressed the committee as the applicant and stated that they ran a small family business in the city. The property was in poor condition when purchased with water damage and was not selling. The applicant spent some £200,000 on improving the property. This would not have been viable for a family to convert. The HMO would be aimed at young professionals with a high specification interior. Planning criteria have been met and there are no planning objections. The applicant considered that people were entitled to rent.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

4.    Councillor Theobald was informed that some sound proofing was included in the scheme, however, it was not usual for the council to ask for noise attenuation on such a small property. It was noted there was one other HMO in the street however this was beyond the 50m assessment boundary.

5.    Councillor Sheard was informed that the layout was functional, including the head height in the bedroom.

Debate

6.    Councillor Robinson considered there was a lack of affordable housing and young professionals also needed housing. The councillor supported the application.

7.    Councillor Shanks considered the development to be nice and they supported the application.

8.    Councillor Sheard stated they lived in an HMO, and it was not true that all HMOs attract anti-social behaviour. HMOs are much needed due to the high house prices in the city. The councillor supported the application.

9.    Councillor Earthey noted the property had been derelict when bought by the applicant. The councillor supported the application.

10. Councillor Theobald noted the 43 objections, and stated they preferred a family home. The councillor hoped for good tenants.

11. Councillor Thomson considered that HMOs were much maligned, but actually they were very much needed. The councillor supported the application.

Vote

12. A vote was taken, and the committee agreed unanimously to grant planning permission. (Councillor Winder took no part in the discussions or decision-making process)

13. 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 in the report.