Plans to convert a family home into a shared living space have faced backlash from people living in the area.

The scheme relates to premises at 319 London Road in Bexhill and requests authorisation to modify the building from a dwelling for one household to a property occupied by multiple individuals.

Nearby residents have raised concerns about additional traffic, problems with parking and whether the site is suitable for such a conversion.

Officers from Rother District Council’s community protection department also doubted whether sufficient space would be available for five residents.

According to a council official, the general layout of the premises for an HMO is satisfactory, yet the rear kitchen and dining space on the ground floor might fall short of required dimensions.

Additional issues were highlighted regarding the lack of information about fire safety arrangements.

The council representative further noted that based on the documentation provided, private sector housing inspectors harbour doubts about whether the unit would satisfy licensing requirements, specifically regarding the kitchen as presently designed, and that insufficient details exist to adequately assess fire safety measures.

Local householders have similarly registered their opposition.

HN Sonne Schmid forwarded observations to the council, formally objecting to the HMO application due to significant additional traffic and parking strain on a road that is already heavily congested. As occupants of the corner property, they constantly hear horns honking, with drivers navigating around parked cars, reversing, or waiting for oncoming vehicles throughout the day and night, which severely impacts family life.

Local resident Anne Carey remarked that she was astonished anyone would view this as a sensible proposal. She noted that these homes were constructed for families and are located near schools. She argued that converting this property to an HMO would decrease the availability of housing suitable for families, that the location is entirely inappropriate for an HMO, and that it would substantially diminish property values in the surrounding area.

A formal petition opposing the development was delivered to the council, accumulating 52 names. Those who signed cited inadequate parking as their foremost worry. The petition stated that a site closer to the town centre would surely be more suitable, where other multi-occupancy buildings already operate.

The change of use request was submitted by Winston Meikle acting for Green Flag Residences Limited.