Agenda item - BH2023/00568 - 248 Dyke Road, Brighton - Full Planning

1.         The Planning Manager introduced the application to the committee.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

2.         Councillor Pickett was informed by the case officer that there was no policy against a Home of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) having a double bedroom with single beds. The councillor was informed that there were no other HMOs within 50m, the application was equivalent to 1.05% increase. The councillor was informed that the applicant had reduced the number of bedrooms to create the communal space. The Planning Manager stated the committee needed to determine the application before them.

3.         Councillor Cattell was informed by the case officer that the application conformed to the national space standards.

4.         Councillor Theobald was informed by the case officer the usual consultations had taken place via letters and on the council website. The Planning Manager confirmed that action could only be taken against the unauthorised use if the planning team were informed.

5.         Councillor Robinson was informed by the case officer that the 11 persons in one HMO was not against policy. The national space standards had been met. It was noted that short holiday lets would require planning permission and enforcement action could be taken if the HMO was used as a holiday let. The Planning Manager stated that each AirBnB was looked at individually on a case-by-case basis to consider whether planning permission was required and would depend on a number of factors including frequency of use.

6.         Councillor Nann was informed by the case officer that currently the ground floor was a separate flat and this would be converted to communal areas with the rest of the house turn over to 11 bedrooms and one study room on the top floor for the HMO and this required planning permission. Currently there are 14 bed spaces.

7.         Councillor Loughran was informed by the case officer that the combined communal space of the ground floor and loft study room was equal to 40sqm, and it was acceptable to have the communal space across two separate floors.

Debate

8.         Councillor Theobald considered the property could be a family home in this street of nice houses, where an HMO of 11 was out of character and too much. The councillor was against the application.

9.         Councillor Cattell considered the HMO to be of a good size with good rooms and noted there was a housing crisis in the city. The property offered a safe secure space to share. The study room was a good idea. There was a need for low-cost accommodation. The councillor supported the application.

Vote

10.      A vote was taken, and by 7 to 2 the committee agreed to grant planning permission.

11.      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.