More applications to turn three-bed properties in Bath into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) have been lodged with the local planning authority.
At 157 High Street in Twerton there are plans for a conversion to a five-bed house
In a pre-application enquiry to Bath & North East Somerset Council, developer 18-25 Properties was told the terraced property complies with HMO eligibility tests.
Council policy currently specifies that proposals will be unacceptable where HMO properties represent 10% or more of households within a 100-metre radius or will tip that concentration over 10%.
According to council records, there are 112 residential properties within a 100-metre radius and five are HMOs (4.46%). The change of use of 157 High Street would result in a concentration of 5.36%.
Records also showed no’ sandwiching’ of a single house between two HMOs.
Five cycle spaces are being proposed, and there is parking for one car. Although the current EPC (energy performance certificate) is rated as D, the application says works will be undertaken to bring the property up to at least the required C.
The planning reference is 26/00439/FUL, and the deadline for comments is 26th March.
Also in Twerton, Aurelius Properties Ltd has applied to turn semi-detached 26 Cameley Green into a four-bed HMO.
The scheme does not reveal details of whether it would meet all HMO eligibility requirements, but says the property has parking for two cars, the required C rating for energy performance and that space would be allocated in the back garden for storage waste and recycling.
The deadline for comments is 11th March and the planning reference is 26/00529/FUL.
In Combe Down, meanwhile, Roman City has lodged an application to turn an end-of-terrace house into a four-bed HMO. The application for 5 Drake Avenue says it complies with HMO eligibility tests, has a C energy rating and there would be storage for bicycles and waste and recycling.
There is no off-street parking, but the house is said to be in a sustainable location.
Any comments on the proposal should be sent to the council by 11th March and the planning reference is 26/00330/FUL.
As we have previously reported, the council is proposing a ban on three-bed ‘family homes’ from being converted to HMOs amid concerns about the city’s housing crisis.
If adopted, it would come into effect as part of the authority’s new Local Plan.
