Poppleton Close, Coventry

Retrospective change of use of three HMOs in Coventry on behalf of Barratt Homes.

Claremont Planning were retained by Barratt Homes to prepare full planning applications in response to enforcement action taken by Coventry City Council against unconstended HMO use at three properties; 83, 84 and 89 Poppleton Close. Following the applications refusal, Barratt Homes instructed Claremont to prepare three Written Representation appeals for each property.

The appeals submitted by Claremont contended that the Council’s refusal reasons were unfounded. It highlighted that the impact on highways was not appropriately identified as the residents were students and accessed University campus by bike or foot. It was established that the properties were within walking distance of the city centre and that existing arrangement of parking provision was adequate. It was also considered that the perceived adverse impacts to residential amenity due to the HMO use was inappropriately based, as the property was built with 6-bedrooms and so designed to be occupied by at least 6 persons.

The three submitted appeals were allowed by Chris Couper, Planning Inspector, with all grounds for appeal concurred with; “[…] I am satisfied that the use of the property as a Sui Generis HMO has not resulted in significant harm to the convenience and safety of highway users, or material harm to nearby occupiers’ living conditions.”