Plans to turn a house in Bognor Regis into a shared home for up to eight people have been recommended for approval after a review of parking concerns.

The application relates to 28 Argyle Road, where the owner is seeking permission to convert the existing house into a seven-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO).

The plans also include a rear extension and a loft conversion.

The proposal was previously deferred by councillors in June to allow an independent review of the transport evidence, following concerns about parking and highway safety.

This review was received by the council on September 24. Planning officers say refusing the application on highway grounds would be difficult to justify, with West Sussex County Council’s highways team raising no objection.

The property has no off-street parking. Under the council’s parking guidance, the proposed conversion would increase the shortfall from two spaces for the existing house to four for the HMO.

The plans do, however, include space for eight bicycles.

Bognor Regis Town Council objected to the proposal, raising concerns about the concentration of HMOs in the area, the effect on the local community, noise and disturbance, parking, fire safety and emergency access.

However, the planning report says HMOs account for 2.3% of properties within 250 metres of the site. Officers conclude the proposal would not lead to an excessive concentration of shared homes or an imbalance in the local community.

The report also says the proposed bedrooms meet the required space standards and the rear garden would provide sufficient outdoor space for residents.

A financial contribution is required to help manage the impact of additional recreational visits to Pagham Harbour.

The recommendation is for authority to be delegated to the council’s group head of planning to grant permission, subject to planning conditions and the completion of the required legal agreement.

The application is due to be considered again by councillors on Wednesday, October 21.