The controversial change of use of a four-bed family home in Whiteway to a seven-bed house in multiple occupation has been approved after concerns about the accuracy of HMO density data initially delayed a decision.
The Guildhall in Bath
Councillor Sarah Moore (Twerton & Whiteway, Liberal Democrat) had objected to KBR Developments Ltd’s proposal for 26 Wedgwood Road, believing it did not pass the HMO concentration test.
The proposal also drew objections from seven local residents regarding the high number of HMOs in the area already, and the “appalling” parking situation, as well as concerns about “overdevelopment” of the mid-terraced house.
Bath & North East Somerset Council planning officers had calculated that the conversion would result in 12 of 122 residential properties within a 100-metre radius being HMOs, equating to 9.8%, which is just under the 10% threshold.
They said no residential property would be ‘sandwiched’ by HMOs, that the area is well-served by buses and storage for seven bikes would be provided.
At the planning committee meeting in February, Councillor Moore queried whether 18 flats had been counted in Blocks 1 to 19 of Wedgwood Road where there are actually only 10 as they are odd number properties.
She also said the row of seven houses in Wedgwood Road includes four HMOs already, and the occupants are having to park in Kelston View.
She highlighted that the university bus service is subsidised and might not continue, and was concerned that those living in the proposed HMO wouldn’t use bikes as they would have to be brought through the house from the back garden.
Planning committee chair Councillor Tim Ball (Twerton & Whiteway, Liberal Democrat) also raised concern about inaccurate calculations, saying Flats 1 and 2 Meade House had not existed for at least 20 years as they are leased out to Southside Family Project.
A decision was deferred until the 18th March committee meeting to give planning officers the chance to investigate the data concerns. After the committee received confirmation that the density had actually been recalculated down to 9.2%, members voted by six votes to three in favour of the change of use.
Committee member Councillor Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) said he favoured purpose-built student accommodation, rather than family homes being converted to HMOs, but acknowledged that the application was policy compliant.
Councillor Shaun Hughes (Midsomer North, Independent) said he had concerns outside of the density issues in terms of the harms caused by overdevelopment of the site and the design, and did not support the recommendation.
Councillor Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour) said that although she supported students living in the community and affordable alternatives to purpose-built accommodation, she was concerned about the number of people who would be living in this HMO and the logistics of getting cycles and bins through the accommodation.
