Shared home for eight people approved in Bognor Regis

The application relates to 28 Argyle Road, where the owner sought permission to convert the existing property 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.

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.

Planning officers said refusing the application on highway grounds would be difficult to justify, with West Sussex County Council’s highways team raising no objection.

Councillor Trevor Bence spoke of his disagreements with the results of the assessment saying that the road is often ‘jammed’.

Councillor Martin Lury agreed with concerns raised but said that due to there being no objections, he ‘reluctantly’ felt there was no reason to refuse.

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 concluded the proposal would not lead to an excessive concentration of shared homes or an imbalance in the local community.

The report also said 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 mitigate the impact of additional recreational visits to Pagham Harbour.

The application was approved conditionally on October 21, subject to a Section 106 agreement.