Wiltshire Council’s western area planning committee is considering a potential blanket ban on converting houses near central Trowbridge into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) without explicit planning permission. Cllr Stewart Palmén, Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Trowbridge Central and chair of the meeting, confirmed he plans to seek a Section 4 order. This would ensure any new HMO developments in the ward require committee approval.
The discussion focused on a planning application to convert a modest detached home at 24 Eastbourne Road into a seven-bedroom HMO for eight adults. Presently, the house accommodates six adults in six rooms, the threshold at which planning permission becomes necessary for HMO status. The proposed attic conversion would add a double bedroom, increasing occupancy and sparking concerns about overdevelopment and parking pressures.
Residents voiced worries about limited parking availability; the property currently offers only two parking spaces despite its proximity to the town centre and railway station. Lucy and Michael Fryer, local property owners with 25 years of HMO management experience, defended the proposal. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining high-quality homes, employing local staff for upkeep, and housing well-qualified, responsible professional tenants aged from their 20s to 50s.
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Agent David Leighton highlighted that all bedrooms exceed minimum size requirements by 30% to 300%, and a parking survey indicated that during peak evening hours, 85% of available on-street spaces within 200 meters were occupied. Despite this, up to 32 parking spaces are available during the day.
Cllr Palmén expressed concerns that converting single-family homes into larger HMOs increases traffic and is not aligned with the original design intentions of the properties. He proposed refusing the application on grounds of parking inadequacy, highway safety, and overdevelopment. However, his motion was defeated by a vote of seven to four.
Other councillors took a more balanced view. Cllr Nigel White pointed out the application sought only two additional occupants in an existing HMO, suggesting it was a reasonable request. Cllr Charlie Stokes acknowledged parking challenges but stressed the urgent need for affordable housing in the area, viewing the additional bedroom as a valuable resource.
Ultimately, a motion led by Cllr Ernie Clark to approve the application, following officer recommendations, passed with seven votes in favor, three against, and one abstention. The debate highlights ongoing tensions in Trowbridge between housing demand, community impact, and urban planning regulations.