Controversial plans to turn a three-bed property in Combe Down into a four-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) have been given the green light by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
There had been 17 objections to the change of use application for 53 Meare Road.
The scheme involves the reconfiguration of a partition wall to increase the size of a room.
Objectors had raised concerns about the change of use, including that there are already too many HMOs in the area and the impact on parking, affordable family housing and infrastructure, such as healthcare and public transport.
One objector described the area as being “saturated” with HMOs.
Loss of privacy and intrusion for neighbours and concern about room sizes were also highlighted.
But council planners said there is no evidence that up to four non-related people living there will have a greater impact on neighbours than the existing house, which in theory could be occupied by a couple and a lodger, or a family of any size.
They said space standards are adequate and there will be no severe transport impact.
The council keeps a register of HMOs as it is acknowledged that a cumulative impact can significantly impact a neighbourhood.
There is a six-bed HMO at 90 degrees to No.53, but the neighbouring properties are single houses.
The council said no home would be ‘sandwiched’ between HMOs and fewer than 10% of properties within a 100-metre radius – its threshold – are in HMO use.
According to council records. the proposal would see six HMOs within a 100-metre radius, which is a 4.3% concentration.
An eight-bed house HMO was approved at 20 Meare Road in May.
The council had received 10 letters of objection highlighting issues including loss of privacy, overdevelopment, noise disturbance, the impact on parking, and the character of the area being changed.
