Closed: Consultations on HMOs and Tourist Accommodation Retention Supplementary Planning Documents
From Friday 28th February to Friday 25th April 2025 we ran two consultations to seek feedback from local residents, businesses and other stakeholders on two Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). The first related to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and the other to Tourist Accommodation Retention.
Take part in the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) SPD consultation
Take part in the Tourist Accommodation Retention SPD consultation
What is a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a type of document that provides more details and guidance on how to apply existing planning policies when deciding on planning applications. While SPDs are important and can influence planning decisions, they are not part of the official development plan. Since they aren't part of this plan, they can't create new planning policies.
HMO Supplementary Planning Document
HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) play an important role in Eastbourne's housing options, especially for people with lower incomes. However, there have been growing concerns about the increase in HMOs in certain areas, which can have an impact on local communities. In response, the Council wants to take action through the planning system to manage the impacts of HMOs.
The HMO Supplementary Planning Document will offer guidance on how to apply existing planning policies when deciding on HMO applications. The goal is to find a balance between providing much-needed housing options through HMOs and addressing the concerns about their increasing numbers and the effects on residents and neighbourhoods.
Tourist Accommodation Retention Supplementary Planning Document
The Tourist Accommodation Retention Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was first adopted in 2017 and is now being updated because the tourism market has changed significantly in recent years. These changes include how tourists choose their holidays, the places they go, and the types of accommodations they prefer.
This SPD is designed for people who want to apply for planning permission to change or redevelop hotels, guesthouses, and other types of tourist accommodations within a specific Tourist Accommodation Area. It will provide clear, updated guidance on how planning policies regarding the preservation of tourist accommodations will work, explaining what information is needed for applications and why that information is important.
Consultation
The consultations on the Supplementary Planning Documents ran from Friday 28th February 2025 to Friday 25th April 2025.
We invited comments on the Supplementary Planning Documents via our online consultation portal.
We also invited comments by email to LocalPlan@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk or in writing to: Planning Policy, Eastbourne Borough Council, Eastbourne Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UG
Paper copies of the Supplementary Planning Documents were available to view at Eastbourne Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UG.
If you have any queries about this consultation, please contact the Planning Policy Team by emailing LocalPlan@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk
Share this page
