Eastbourne Council Rejects 8-Bedroom HMO Conversion Proposal

Published: April 7, 2025
By: Sam Pole, Reporter

Eastbourne Borough Council has turned down a plan to change a home at 7 Redoubt Road into an eight-bedroom HMO. Planning officers checked the plan closely. They found many issues. Noise, low room quality, and effects on the local area were all problems.

Proposal Details

The plan aimed to change the old house into an HMO with eight bedrooms. A studio flat would sit on the top floor. There would also be a separate one-bedroom flat. The applicant said the plan would meet the need for more homes. Planning officers, however, saw many problems that stopped them from approving it.

Reasons for Refusal

1. Noise and Disturbance: Officers warned that more residents would bring extra noise. The noise would disturb nearby homes. The extra activity did not fit with rules for keeping peace in local areas.

2. Insufficient Access to Daylight: The design used a basement for the communal kitchen and dining area. That space does not get enough natural light. This lack of light would lower living conditions.

3. Space Standards: The studio flat did not reach the space minimum set in 2015. The flat is below 37 square meters, which does not meet the need for a one-person, one-bed flat.

4. Travel Concerns: The plan gave little detail about safe bike storage. The council needs clear ideas for travel by bike.

5. Refuse and Recycling Storage: The proposal did not clearly show where trash and recycling would be stored. This gap may cause local waste issues.

Local Community Response

Local people spoke out against the plan. Nine objections were sent through the planning portal. Many residents said the changes would alter the area and lower life quality. In the refusal note, officers said the plan would cause "undue noise and general disturbance" and provide "substandard quality of accommodation."

Implications for Property Investors

This case shows the need to follow local planning rules. Investors must study area rules and listen to local views. Those wishing to invest in HMO properties should check these points before sending in a plan.

Conclusion

The rejection of the HMO conversion at 7 Redoubt Road shows that change in established residential areas is hard. As Eastbourne meets housing needs, this decision may guide future plans. New proposals must match local rules and community views.

For more detailed insights on housing rules and property investment concerns, you can refer to the following sources:

• Technical Housing Standards
• Eastbourne Borough Council Planning Policies

This decision stands as one sign of how property work in the UK is affected by planning rules. Staying informed and ready can help in meeting the demands of a competitive market.