Eastbourne HMO plans get rejected after wave of objections

Plans had been submitted by Yasmin Salim in June to convert a property at 9 Framfield Way in Eastbourne into an eight-bedroom House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

Permission was granted to use the property as a six-bedroom HMO in March 2025, after a proposal to convert it into a nine-bedroom HMO was rejected in December 2024.

But Ms Salim tried her luck again by submitting the plans to expand the HMO to eight bedrooms.

In rejecting the nine-bedroom HMO proposal last year, council planning officers ruled that the conversion would result in "increased activity that would result in undue noise and general disturbance to neighbouring occupants, and an unacceptable impact upon neighbour amenity."

Permission had already been granted to use the house as a six-bed HMO (Image: Google) After the latest plans were submitted, 43 objections were lodged, with only one letter of support submitted.

Martyn Whitehead commented: "This is completely ridiculous. First nine-bed refused, then six-bed approved, now they want to up it again to eight bed.

"All the concerns from the first application still stand - it is totally unacceptable for this area for the original reasons.

"This is just disregarding the feelings of local residents."

Caroline Higgins wrote in objection: "The demographic of Framfield Way and the surrounding areas includes many elderly and vulnerable residents, as well as families with children.

"The proposed HMO would be entirely out of keeping with this demographic.

"If this plan were approved, it would set a precedent that could fundamentally change the nature of Framfield Way and our entire local community."

Framfield Way, which residents say is not an appropriate location for HMOs (Image: Google) Christine Horne objected: "I am horrified to see this application for a dwelling to house eight people in Framfield Way.

"We do not need any HMOs here. Eastbourne has already had to take in too many people from other areas."

The controversial plans were rejected by Eastbourne Borough Council on August 22.

Planning officers found that "the proposed change of use is considered to result in unacceptable impact upon both neighbour amenity, due to the increased level of activity, and amenities of future occupants."

The plans can be viewed using the reference 250395.