A controversial planning application to convert a four-bed detached property in the Bloomfield area of the city into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) for up to six people has been approved.
Ward councillor Jess David (Liberal Democrat) had asked for the proposal for 7 Castle Gardens off Bloomfield Road, to be decided by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee, rather than delegated to officers.
She highlighted local concerns around the loss of family housing and limited on-street parking, with the narrow driveway unable to accommodate two cars as the application stated.
The council also received 20 objections from local people, highlighting concerns about parking and increased traffic. Among the concerns was that combined with the introduction of residents’ parking in the area, it would result in parking pressures.
Fears of noise and disturbance and harm caused to the neighbourhood by the “transient nature” of HMOs were also raised, and it was said that the council’s emerging Local Plan policies concerning HMOs should be given weight.
The council is looking at introducing a ban on three-bed family homes being converted into HMOs however, not four.
Committee chair Councillor Tim Ball (Twerton & Whiteway, Liberal Democrat) rejected the call-in however, saying the decision could be delegated as the proposal aligns with council HMO policies.
The officers’ report said there were no other HMOs within a 100-metre radius and this proposal would result in 1.7% of properties within that radius being in HMO use, well below the 10% threshold.
The report also said the internal communal space significantly exceeds HMO standards for six people. All four bedrooms are considered suitable for single occupancy and two for double occupancy.
The proposal is also policy compliant in terms of having an energy rating of C. The garden is said to be a reasonable size, and there will be a designated area for waste management. A garage will provide storage space for four bicycles.
Although the application said there would be two off-street parking spaces, the officers’ report refers to there just being one.
However, the officers said the proposal will not lead to any road safety or parking issues and the change of use will not cause any significant harm to residents either.
