Eastbourne town centre 8-bed HMO rejected after objections

The proposal – for a property at 12 Elms Avenue, Eastbourne – was submitted by BNG Investments Ltd on behalf of the landlord, Martin Mann of Mannstone Properties Ltd.

After receiving 18 objections, the plans were turned down by Eastbourne Borough Council on February 22.

The plans related to 12 Elms Avenue, visible here with the blue door (Image: Google)

BNG Investments Ltd proposed no external changes to the building but detailed plans for internal refurbishment, including the installation of three extra bathrooms, upgrading amenities to HMO standards.

“The purpose of this application is to meet growing demand for high quality, professionally managed shared accommodation in Eastbourne, particularly for working professionals, NHS staff and mature students,” the application said.

However, there was strong opposition.

Some neighbours claimed the conversion of yet another house into a HMO would exacerbate existing issues in the area.

No external changes to the property were proposed (Image: BNG Investments Ltd)

Chris Broad wrote in objection.

“There are too many HMOs in Elms Avenue already,” he said.

“The parking here is shocking.

“The litter and antisocial behaviour is awful. We are scared to take our six year old outside.

“I am so sick of having to object to these property conversions and even sicker of seeing vulnerable people being taken advantage of for profit. It is disgusting.”

Brigette Myburgh concurred, stating: “There are already too many HMOs in the street, which creates more rubbish and strain on already overflowing bins, as well as parking issues and increased antisocial behaviour.”

Local residents did not approve the conversion plans (Image: Google)

The council’s conservation officer, while not objecting on conservation grounds as the outward appearance of the property would remain unchanged, acknowledged the heightened tension related to the concentration of HMOs.

The officer said: “I am very aware that feelings run high on the concentration of HMOs in the immediate area and that this application will create wider community concerns.”

Council planning officers also weighed in, concluding the proposal could negatively impact the area.

“The proposal would contribute to the cumulative impact of HMOs in an area of high concentration and would adversely affect the tourism economy and residential amenity,” they said.

The plans can be viewed using the reference 250795.