Decision due on Hastings Borough Council HMO plans

On Wednesday (June 10), Hastings Borough Council’s planning committee is set to consider an application for an existing Home in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 67 Sedlescombe Road South, St Leonards.

The bid has been submitted by the council itself (as owner and operator of the HMO), requiring it to come in front of the committee for discussion.

It seeks permission for internal changes that would create office space and a bedroom — increasing its accommodation from a six to a seven-bedroom HMO.

In a report recommending the committee approve the scheme, a council planning spokesman said: “No external alterations are proposed as part of this application and, as such, the development is not considered to result in any harm to the character or appearance of the conservation area.

“The property would remain in use as an HMO, a use which has been established at the site for many years.

“The proposal seeks only to convert an existing reception room into an additional bedroom, increasing the accommodation from a six-bedroom to a seven-bedroom HMO. It is also noted that planning permission has previously been granted for a larger eight-bedroom HMO at the site.

“As a form of residential accommodation, the continued use of the property as an HMO is considered compatible with the predominantly residential character of the surrounding area and would continue to sit comfortably within its context.”

The report says the changes have already taken place, so the proposals are considered to be a retrospective application.

Planning conditions would limit the property to no more than ten residents. The office would only be able to operate between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

For further information see application HS/FA/25/00739 on the Hastings Borough Council website.