Planning Inspector Dismisses Eastbourne HMO Appeal

By Huw Oxburgh, Local Democracy Reporter

A planning inspector has rejected the appeal by Star Property. The appeal asked for permission to run 14 Rylstone Road as a House in Multiple Occupation. The family home had changed into a shared residence in late 2018. The main worry was the living environment.

Background of the Appeal

Star Property sent a planning application to Eastbourne Borough Council in May 2024. The building was already used as a seven-bedroom HMO. In August 2024, the council said no. They found that four bedrooms had little or no natural light and view. This finding affected the overall living quality.

Planning Inspector’s Findings

The inspector checked all details. They agreed that the general standard of the property was low. At the same time, they found that only one room—a rear basement bedroom—had the light and view problem. In the decision, the inspector wrote, "I looked at the whole property and saw that the common spaces are good. Still, one room makes the living conditions unacceptable." This single issue led to the dismissal of the appeal.

Implications for HMO Investors

This decision matters for investors in Houses in Multiple Occupation. Investors must follow planning rules and check that the home meets living standards before changing its use. The case reminds buyers to do a full check to stick to local guidelines. Missing the required permissions can bring legal and money problems. The ruling also shows that sound advice from experienced experts is needed when handling rental rules.

Conclusion

The denied appeal shows that even one poor room can stop an application for an HMO. People working in property investment must follow local planning rules and provide acceptable living conditions. Checking that every room works well is part of a careful plan.

For more details, search for application reference 240288 on the Eastbourne Borough Council planning portal.

References

• SussexWorld: Planning Inspector Turns Down Eastbourne House in Multiple Occupation Appeal
• Local Government Association: Houses in Multiple Occupation Guidance
• Home Office: Houses in Multiple Occupation and Residential Property Licensing

For those interested in property investments, especially in HMOs, it is wise to follow the latest local planning news and keep up with new guidelines.