Letter: Cumulative Affect of HMOs Does Change a Road’s Character

Published on: 28 Jul, 2024
Updated on: 28 Jul, 2024

From Paul Handley

In response to: Westborough HMO Plans ‘Losing the Heart of the Street’ Says Resident

As a long term resident in Applegarth Avenue I was disappointed but not surprised at the outcome of GBC’S Planning Committee meeting.

First, can I say that I appreciate the need for accommodation for “young professionals” etc, particularly given the road’s proximity to the Research Park, Hospital and University.

The issue, as I see it is, not with a small number of multiple occupancy houses (which could provide much needed accommodation), but the cumulative effect of a large number of such dwellings being approved over a period of time all, no doubt, perfectly acceptable individually in strict planning terms, but also taking much needed three-bed family homes out of the housing stock.

While an individual development may not affect the character of the neighbourhood the cumulative number certainly does. The planning system does not seem to be able to cope with this. It appears clear from the article that the Planning Committee was reluctant to support the applications but could not find grounds for refusing them.

The history of planning applications for Nos 85-87, and the ground behind them, illustrates what can happen over time when applications fall to be considered piecemeal rather than as a whole. 85 and 87 were family homes acquired by a developer when they came on sale, which then became multiple occupancy. Due to the layout of the road which curves here away from the railway embankment they had larger than average gardens which were seen as ripe for development.

Without going into the detailed history of a large number of planning applications, going back to 2016, some of which attracted a number of objections and were refused (including by appeal), applications were made over time for individual “dwellings” which were agreed. Thus, 85-87 has become 85, 85a, 85b, and 87 “innovative new build houses in Guildford designed to cater to the needs of 23 young professionals seeking a vibrant HMO rental property” to quote the developer’s web site, and what were two family homes have become four multiple occupancy dwellings.

The developer has now acquired the adjoining no. 89 and has approval for an extension “to form an independent dwelling” and a planning application for two dwellings for the land behind 87 and 89, all said to be providing family homes. History suggests that what was a family home will become another four, multi occupancy dwellings. I trust I will be proven wrong.

With regard to the density of multi-occupancy dwellings, around the green from 81 to 99 there are 7 multi occupancy dwellings (including long standing nos 95 and 99) with the possibility of another four – well in excess of the 16 per cent quoted in the article.

In the words of the old Joni Mitchell song: “ you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone”.

I look forward to seeing the results of the report being brought to review the licensing of HMOs to a Plannig Committee.