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A retrospective application to convert a family home into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) on London Road has been rejected.
The big picture: The application sought permission to officially change the four-bedroom house into accommodation for five residents, after the conversion had already taken place.
Why it matters: The decision reinforces the council's stance on HMO concentration in Ipswich, where concerns about the impact on community balance and living standards have been growing.
The details: Madison And Harper Capital Ltd applied to convert 120 London Road from a four-bedroom family home into a five-resident HMO. The application was refused under delegated powers by the council's head of planning.
Key concerns included:
The property would be the third HMO within 20 properties on the northern side of the road
No rear garden space for residents
Inadequate cycle storage and parking facilities
What they're saying: James Mann MRTPI, Head of Planning and Development, cited "potential negative community impacts" including increased activity levels, noise and disturbance, and pressure on parking in the refusal notice.
What's next: The property owner has three options:
Appeal the decision by 12 February 2025
Submit a revised application addressing the council's concerns
Return the property to use as a single family home
The bottom line: The refusal aligns with council policies aimed at preventing clusters of HMOs in central Ipswich while ensuring adequate living standards for residents.
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