Agenda item

Extension and conversion of a dwellinghouse (class C3) to a 7-person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Sui Generis).

The committee considered planning application P23/S1522/FUL for the extension and conversion of a dwellinghouse (class C3) to a 7-person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Sui Generis), on land at 60 Haydon Road, Didcot.  

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance, and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report, which formed part of the agenda pack for the meeting. 

The planning officer introduced the report and highlighted that the application was brought to the committee due to the objection of Didcot Town Council.

The Planning Officer informed the committee that work on the previously approved extension had commenced since the report and was published and that point 6.5 in the report should also include reference to the General Permitted Development Order. Under this Order, planning permission is not required for the change of use of a dwelling to an HMO for up to 6 people. 

The town council objection about overdevelopment and the lack of parking was discussed by the planning officer. On parking, she noted that there were two off street parking spaces provided, whereas similar applications would expect three spaces. However, the planning officer noted that there were mitigating factors for the application was the site was opposite Didcot Parkway Train Station and within walking distance of Didcot town centre, and that there were several car parks nearby. For these reasons, highways had no objection to the application. 

On overdevelopment, the planning officer assessed the amount of parking provision and amenity space provided. As there were no objections from highways and as the amenity space exceeded the recommendations in the Design Gide, and as the level of accommodation proposed was not unusual in that location, she did not consider the application to be overdevelopment.

The planning officer also informed members of the two recent appeal decisions that were allowed for HMOs, including one on Haydon Road.

Overall, for these reasons, and due to the lack of objections from technical consultees, the planning officer recommended that application be approved.

Jonathan McDermott, the agent representing the applicant, spoke in support of the application. 

Councillor Ian Snowdon, a local ward councillor, spoke objecting to the application. 

The committee asked if the application would be able to provide the proposed parking spaces, bin storage, and cycle parking at the front of the dwelling. In response, the planning officer confirmed the plans detailed these points and that she had discussed it with highways who also agreed that cycle parking, bins, and two required parking spaces could be provided.

On a question about the provision of two shower rooms for two bedrooms, the planning officer confirmed that applicant would need to apply for a license for the HMO and at that time the licensing team would assess the facilities and decide if more facilities would be needed.

Some members expressed concerns about the number of parking spaces provided for the future occupants, and that residents might try to park on the street. However, it was agreed that the location of the application being so close to the town centre and the train station would mean that this amount of parking would be sufficient. In response to a point about the road being turned into residents-only parking, the planning team leader noted that parking permits were separate to the planning regime.

Overall, as members considered there to be a need for HMO housing, and as they could see no material planning reasons for refusal, they agreed to approve the application subject to conditions.

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote. 

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P23/S1522/FUL, subject to the following conditions:

1. Commencement 3 yrs - Full Planning Permission

2. Approved plans

3. Materials as on plan

4. Provide parking in accordance with plan prior to occupation.

5. Provide details of cycle parking and implement prior to occupation

6. Submit Green Travel Plan for approval and implement

7. Provide a bird box prior to occupation