The planning committee discussed several applications concerning the change of use of properties to higher occupancy homes, specifically Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The committee's decisions largely centered on whether additional occupancy would materially impact local amenities and infrastructure, such as parking and sewage systems.

1. 61 St. Chad's Avenue: The committee refused the application to change a dwelling into a 6-bedroom HMO, citing concerns about sewage capacity and local infrastructure strain. Despite a previous refusal being under appeal, the committee remained consistent in their decision, emphasizing the potential for increased local disruption.

2. Sandringham Road: The committee determined that planning permission was required due to significant local issues like parking and anti-social behavior. They granted conditional permission, acknowledging the property's compliance with local planning policies but recognizing the need for careful management of its impact on the community.

3. 51 Chatsworth Road: Initially deferred for further examination, the application to convert a property into a 7-bedroom HMO was ultimately refused. The decision was based on concerns about inadequate natural light in one of the proposed bedrooms, highlighting the committee's attention to living standards in HMOs.

4. 22 Hewitt Road and 129 Gladys Avenue: Both applications were approved with conditions. The committee noted that while these properties complied with local planning policies, there were voiced concerns from the public about the increasing number of HMOs and their impact on community cohesion and local resources.

5. Oriole Road: The application to increase occupancy from 6 to 7 bedrooms was approved conditionally. Discussions touched on the property's past issues with management and its impact on local parking and infrastructure.

6. Margate Road: The committee unanimously decided that planning permission was required due to the property's location in a high-density HMO area, which already suffers from parking and social issues. They granted conditional permission, considering the overall compliance with planning policies.

7. Victoria Road North: The application to increase from 6 to 8 bedrooms in an HMO was conditionally approved. The committee required planning permission, considering the property's impact on an area already dense with HMOs.

The meeting was marked by a strong community presence, with numerous deputations expressing concerns about the proliferation of HMOs and their effects on local amenities and infrastructure. The committee's decisions reflected a balance between adhering to planning policies and addressing community concerns.