Landlords in Eastbourne now need to get planning permission for HMO conversions in parts of the town centre after councillors approved new rules.
Eastbourne Council has introduced an Article 4 Direction alongside new planning guidance which it says will “strike a balance between providing essential housing options and addressing concerns from the community regarding the concentration of HMOs in specific areas”.
The direction relates to the conversion of houses into small HMOs for between three and six people in Devonshire, Meads and Upperton wards, and a small part of St Anthony’s ward.
In 2024 there were 360 HMOs registered within the town, although numbers have been climbing as the council recorded 305 on its register in 2011.
Council leader Stephen Holt (pictured) has been campaigning for years to improve the standard and quality of HMOs in Devonshire ward, where more than 70% of registered HMOs are located.
He adds: “I want to be really clear; HMOs play a crucial role in Eastbourne’s housing landscape. By introducing this comprehensive planning guidance and these new controls, this council is showing its commitment to improving living conditions for HMO residents, as well as their neighbours.
“This is a significant step to doing so and is part of our overall plans to improve HMOs in our town.”
This change does not apply to conversions that were completed before 30th July, while owners of existing small HMOs can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development to formally confirm their property’s lawful use.
The council has also recently adopted a new Supplementary Planning Document that provides detailed guidance on how existing planning policies will be applied to HMO planning applications, considering factors such as concentration, loss of family homes, impact on neighbour amenity, and accommodation standards.
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