Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee is expected next week to introduce an Article 4 Direction that would remove permitted development rights for small HMO conversions across key areas of the seaside town.

The measure will require developers and owners to secure planning permission before converting single dwellings into small HMO homes from July 30 this year.

Council control

In a report to the committee, officers say the measure is intended to help the council control the potential impact of HMOs on parts of the town, with licensed HMO numbers in Eastbourne growing by 70% since 2015.

According to the report: “HMOs form an important part of the housing mix within an area as they increase the range and mix of accommodation, especially for people whose housing options are limited, such as young professionals, students and people on low incomes who are unable to afford or access their own self-contained accommodation.”

HMOs have the potential to negatively impact communities in terms of the standard of living environment for local residents and businesses.”

However, it warns: “HMOs have the potential to negatively impact communities in terms of the standard of living environment for local residents and businesses, particularly where there is a high concentration of HMOs in a specific area.”

The report adds: “Demand for this type of smaller and cheaper accommodation is likely to be impacted by current circumstances in relation to rises in the cost of living and pressure on wages and benefits.”

According to Sussex World, the new Article 4 Direction will cover large sections of Devonshire, Meads and Upperton wards, plus part of St Anthony’s ward. The council began the process in July 2024, with the consultation running between August 2 and September 27.

The move should also help boost the finances of the cash-strapped council, which has had to cut £3m from its 2024/25 budget. Its planning application fees have recently risen to £462 per new residential unit and are due to rise again in April.

Image insert: Eastbourne Borough Council