Eastbourne Housing Proposal for HMO Conversion Refused
By Sam Pole, Reporter
Published: 4th April 2025, 16:10 BST
Eastbourne Borough Council made a decision. They refused a plan to change a house on Redoubt Road into an eight-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The plan also aimed to create a one-bedroom flat. Local residents opposed the plan strongly. Many expressed their concern over many planning issues. The council did not approve the proposal.
Details of the Proposed Development
The plan focused on 7 Redoubt Road. The idea was to renovate the house heavily. The renovation would change the use of the building. The plan called for a conversion of the garage and rooms nearby to suit the HMO and a one-bedroom flat. The applicant saw the change as a way to meet local housing needs. They believed the project could serve the market well.
Reasons for Refusal
The planning team pointed out several issues.
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Noise and Disturbance: Higher occupancy means more people. This change may bring loud sounds and activity. Neighbors could see their comfort suffer.
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Insufficient Natural Daylight: The shared kitchen and dining area lack enough sunlight. This gap may affect daily life.
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Substandard Accommodation: The planned studio flat is too small. It would not meet the minimum space standards. The flat was estimated to be under 37 square metres.
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Inadequate Storage Solutions: The plan did not show a clear way to store bicycles or handle waste. This gap conflicts with the local plan.
These points led the council to reject the proposal. The decision is detailed in an official statement.
Community Opposition
Many local residents stood against the plan. Nine formal objections went up on the planning portal. The residents saw risk for the area. They feared the change would harm the neighborhood’s look and feel.
Implications for Future HMO Developments
This refusal is a lesson for property investors and developers. The case shows that planning and talking with the community matter. Understanding the local scene will help avoid setbacks. Issues like noise, space, and storage need clear answers when planning HMO changes.
Conclusion
The council’s decision to block the conversion at 7 Redoubt Road aims to protect community standards. The move keeps an eye on living quality for new residents. Interested investors can study this case to know more about local housing rules and public concerns.
For more on property investment paths and updates on HMO rules, check out sources such as the UK Government’s Planning Portal and Landlord Zone.
Sources:
- Eastbourne Borough Council Planning Portal
- Technical Housing Standards
- UK Government Planning Portal
- Landlord Zone on HMO Regulations
Feel free to get in touch for more news on property projects and the changing rules in housing.
