By Jamie Shapiro, Local Democracy Reporter
A homeowner has been granted planning permission for an extension despite fears the house could become an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation). Image: Google
The house is located on Chessel Avenue in Bitterne and the extension was discussed at Tuesday’s (Feb 21) city council planning panel meeting.
One resident who attended the panel to share her concerns said: “We have to be mindful regarding the potential for dwelling change to an HMO in a residential area.”
However Southampton City Council’s planning officer in charge of the application did not share the same concern.
He said: “This application doesn’t give any permission for change of use.
“That is not a concern for us.”
Planning officers explained that they cannot turn down a planning application because of residents’ fears of what it might one day become; if the applicant did decide he wants to turn the property into an HMO, it would be an entirely separate application – and judged on its own merit.
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