Hastings Councillors Approve Plans For Eight-Bedroom Shared Home

A proposal to convert a Hastings property into shared accommodation has been given the green light by borough councillors.

At a meeting on Wednesday (19 November), Hastings Borough Council’s planning committee approved plans to turn 52 Mount Pleasant Road — currently a mix of commercial and residential use — into an eight-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

The application was submitted by Prestige Sussex Developments Ltd.

The scheme also includes replacing the front windows with uPVC sliding sash designs and fitting uPVC casement windows at the rear.

The plans were brought to committee after six objections from local residents, who raised concerns about the number of HMOs in the area, potential impacts on neighbours and a lack of parking.

However, planning officers said the change would not harm the character of the area or nearby amenities.

They also rejected claims of an oversupply of HMOs, noting that only two exist within 100 metres of the property — out of 197 homes.

Highways officers accepted that while cycle storage falls below the usual requirement, parking concerns were not significant due to strong public transport links nearby.

Councillors voted in favour of the application, with Cllr Matthew Beaver saying many HMOs are “extremely well-run,” adding that improved window insulation would benefit future residents.

He acknowledged issues around parking and cycling provision but said they were not grounds for refusal.

Some councillors stressed the need for continued monitoring of HMOs across Hastings, while Independent councillor John Cannan reminded the committee that future occupants are not a planning consideration.

“Hastings is in a housing emergency — we need more homes,” he said.

“For many single people, a single room is all they can afford.”

The application was approved as recommended by officers.