Hastings Council Rejects Plans To Expand Shared Home Into 10-Bed HMO

Hastings Borough Council has refused plans to expand a shared home at 21 White Rock into a 10-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

The building currently houses a restaurant, a seven-bedroom HMO, and a private dwelling.

The application sought to combine the private dwelling with the existing HMO, but council planners raised concerns over waste storage and safety.

Officers noted that the council’s refuse department deemed the existing arrangements unsuitable for a 10-bedroom HMO.

An alternative proposal to locate a waste area inside the building’s entrance was also rejected, as the space was “narrow and insufficient” and could create fire safety risks.

A second reason for refusal related to the building’s position in an area with flood-related constraints.

The applicant had not submitted a Flood Risk Assessment, meaning the council could not confirm that future occupants would be safe.

A council planning spokesperson said:

“In the absence of this information, it cannot be demonstrated that the proposed House in Multiple Occupation would be safe for future occupants.

"Consequently, the application is considered unacceptable in terms of flood risk, contrary to national and local planning policies.”

For more details, see application HS/FA/25/00500 on the Hastings Borough Council website.