The latest planning applications to turn family homes in Bath into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) include properties in the Whiteway, Twerton and Bloomfield areas of the city.
HMOs, which tend to be occupied by students, single people, professionals and low-income workers, are considered to be the most profitable and stable type of property investment.
But last month we reported that amid concerns about HMOs exacerbating the city’s housing crisis, Bath & North East Somserset Council is proposing a ban on three-bed ‘family homes’ from being converted to HMOs.
If adopted, it would come into effect as part of the council’s new Local Plan.
Accommodation company 18-25 Properties’ latest application is to convert a three-bed Whiteway home into a five-bed HMO. The applicant did an eligibility check test last month before submitting the proposal for 100 Sheridan Road, which is a two-storey end-of-terrace house.
The council keeps a register of HMOs as a cumulative impact can significantly impact a neighbourhood. At the time, there were 129 residential properties in a 100-metre radius of 100 Sheridan Road and seven were registered as HMOs. The proposed HMO would bring the concentration of HMOs up to 6.2%, below the 10% threshold.
Data also showed that a conversion would not ‘sandwich’ a property between two other HMOs.
The plans include parking for five bicycles. The deadline for comments is 26th November and the planning reference is 25/04134/FUL.
In Twerton, ABC TB Property Holdings has submitted a planning application to convert 12 Highfield Close.
The developer’s agent says the Herefordshire-based company is looking to acquire the four-bed semi from the occupiers on the basis that it can be turned into a house in multiple occupation.
The application says: “This change responds to the growing need for flexible, shared accommodation in Bath, particularly for professionals.”
The property would be configured to provide shared living spaces and six private bedrooms, with all rooms meeting space standards. No external alterations are proposed. There is said to be off-street parking for 2.5 cars and a secure store is planned in the back garden for at least six bicycles.
The planning reference is 25/03965/FUL and anyone wishing to comment has until 28th November.
Also in Twerton, a planning application has been submitted on behalf of accommodation company Rivers Birtwell to turn a three-bed semi at Cameley Green into a seven-bed HMO.
The plans for No. 12 include adding a single-storey rear extension as well as external and internal alterations. There would be secure store for four bikes, as well as bin storage.
The property has off-street parking for one car, and there is said to be “ample” on-street parking.
The application adds that the proportion of HMOs in a 100-metre radius would stay under the 10% threshold and there would be no sandwiching issues. All rooms would meet or surpass space standards.
The planning reference is 25/04283/FUL and the deadline for comments 2nd December.
Meanwhile, at Lymore Avenue in Twerton there are plans to turn a six-bed shared home into a seven-bed HMO by adding a first-floor rear extension.
Bonekka Property Investment’s plans for No. 47 include improved communal facilities as well as increasing the number of lettable bedrooms in the semi-detached house.
The planning reference is 25/04243/FUL and the deadline for comments is 2nd December.
There is also an application to convert 7 Castle Gardens, a detached four-bed family home, off Bloomfield Road into a HMO.
The applicant says they were advised by a council planning officer prior to submitting the proposal that provided it meets space and ventilation requirements, the change of use to a four-bed HMO would be policy compliant.
There is off-street parking for two cars.
The planning reference is 25/03953/FUL and the deadline for comments is 5th December.
