Family home becoming HMO raises concerns

Plans to turn a Surrey family home into an eight-bedroom house share have been given the green light, despite concerns the neighbourhood is becoming "transient".

The proposal would see a detached two-storey home in Guildford converted into a large house in multiple occupation (HMO) for up to eight tenants, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Objecting to the scheme at the planning committee, Himanshu Lukha said the area was being turned into a "transient community" at the expense of families.

Although 22 letters of objection were submitted, councillors agreed there were no strong reasons to refuse the application at a Guildford Borough Council planning committee meeting on 7 January.

Councillor George Potter echoed unease about the wider picture, saying he remained uncomfortable with the steady loss of family homes to HMOs in residential areas.

But he accepted that, in planning terms, the council would struggle to defend a refusal.

Neighbours also raised a long list of concerns, including parking pressure, noise, loss of privacy and the gradual erosion of what they see as a family-friendly community.

Several objectors said there was already enough shared and rented accommodation in the area and that Guildford needs more homes for families.

Lukha also raised concerns about privacy, explaining that his household includes an 85-year-old and another family member who is housebound with a chronic illness.

"You don't need windows in ensuite bathrooms," he told councillors. "I'm urging you to do the right thing here."

Other councillors agreed that the proposed bathroom windows would be fitted with obscured glass and positioned high enough to prevent direct overlooking.

Councillor Maddy Redpath added that any changes, such as non-frosted windows, could be dealt with by planning enforcement.

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