A four-bedroom house in central Brighton can be turned into a shared home for seven despite fears it could end up as an Airbnb.
Neighbours of 19 New England Street objected to owner John Robinson’s planning application – but yesterday (Wednesday 6 May), councillors unanimously approved the plans despite misgivings.
West Hill and North Laine councillor Ellen McLeay told Brighton and Hove City Council’s Planning Committee she backed the objections, adding there was a need for four-bedroom family homes in the city.
Councillor McLeay said: “This street has already borne years of disruption from short-term holiday lets with stag and hen parties.
“While I welcome the move away from holiday use, I question why this property could not return to a much-needed family home.”
Mr Robinson’s agent, Toby Deacon from Lewis and Co Planning, told the committee the application complies with council policy to restrict new houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Six per cent of the properties within 50 metres are currently HMOs. This is below the 10 per cent saturation limit in West Hill and North Laine ward.
Across the wider neighbourhood, two per cent of properties were currently shared houses, below the 20 per cent city-wide level that would justify a refusal.
Mr Deacon said: “We do understand that HMOs have slightly different patterns of occupation, but this alone is not sufficient to create material harm justifying refusal in an area where HMO concentrations are demonstrably low.”
Conservative councillor Carol Theobald said it is difficult to turn down an HMO that complies with policy.
Councillor Theobald said: “Of course it’s better than a holiday let or a party place.
“Of course, it would be a lot better if it had gone back to being a family home, but this is what we have in front of us.”
Labour councillor Tobias Sheard who lives in shared housing himself, said people go for whatever house they can live in.
Councillor Sheard said: “I think the rooms not being of minimum size is so refreshing in an HMO application.
“We’re so used to seeing rooms that barely squeak over the minimum, and here even the smallest rooms are one to two metres over the minimum, which is quite nice to see.”
Labour councillor Julie Cattell said: “I remain concerned this could end up by stealth being an Airbnb holiday let, whatever we like to call it, but policy dictates we can’t refuse it.
“I just hope that the neighbours keep an eye on it and if there’s any hint of an Airbnb or holiday let, then I hope we come down on them with a full force of the enforcement team.”
