Newport HMO application turned down over flood risk
The property, located at 33 Walmer Road, Newport, was already functioning as a four-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) since November 2024 and had a licence from Environmental Health.
The applicant sought approval for the change in use, but the application was rejected on May 10.
The refusal was based primarily on the lack of a Flood Consequences Assessment (FCA), given that the property is in Flood Zone 3 – Sea, a high-risk area.
The ground floor bedroom, in particular, was highlighted as having no adequate first-floor flood refuge, with only the landing and communal bathroom as possible refuge spaces.
These were considered insufficient based on a relevant precedent.
Consequently, the application was found to be contrary to Planning Policy Wales, TAN15 (2025), and policies SP3, GP2, H8 of the Newport Local Development Plan (2011–2026).
Residents in the area raised several objections to the application, primarily concerning parking problems and congestion, especially with visitors to a nearby One Stop Shop.
There were also complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour, often associated with the transient nature of HMO tenants, as well as concerns about rubbish overflow, pest issues, and property value depreciation.
One resident noted: "There seems to be a considerable rise in houses of multiple occupancy in our road which is placing a significant strain on parking..."
Another commented: "HMOs, if not properly managed, can sometimes lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour..."
Councillors Matthew Pimm and Deborah Davies also objected to the application.
Councillor Pimm highlighted the issue of overdevelopment and the lack of suitability of the terraced houses for HMO use.
Councillor Davies raised concerns about parking safety and security, particularly for lone women at night, and requested a parking survey.
The Highways Officer also objected due to the lack of off-road parking, inadequate cycle and refuse storage, and access issues.
Natural Resources Wales noted that the property is in Flood Zone 3 – Sea and stated that the flood risk was increased due to the intensification of use.
They also advised conducting a Flood Consequences Assessment, which was not provided.
The Waste Manager indicated a standard 120-litre bin allocation with kerbside recycling, with no issues as long as the bins meet the specified requirements.
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