Plans to expand a HMO in Eastbourne refused
Plans to expand a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) have been refused by Eastbourne Borough Council.
The proposal sought to change the use of Bay Tree Guest House in 10 Elms Avenue from a six-person HMO into a nine-bedroom HMO.
The property falls within Eastbourne’s Tourist Accommodation Area (TAA) – a zone designated to retain tourist accommodation to support the local economy.
Bay Tree Guest House is listed as temporarily closed on Google.
One of the reasons for refusal listed in the decision notice was the potential impact on the ‘ongoing vitality and viability of the TAA due to the impacts associated with HMOs, particularly anti-social behaviour and visual amenity’.
The notice reads: “The proposal would result in poor quality accommodation by reason of the poorly conceived basement bedroom and insufficient communal facilities, which would fail to provide adequate natural light, ventilation, space, and amenity for future occupants for an HMO of this size and occupancy.”
The impact of noise and increased disturbance to neighbours as well as the failure to assist the council’s provision of a range of housing were listed as other reasons for the refusal.
The proposal had received 14 objections.
You can keep up to date with all the latest information on planning proposals, traffic notices, goods vehicle operator licences, premises licensing, licences to sell alcohol and probate notices in your area at publicnoticeportal.uk.