Parking standards for HMO conversion — do they apply to existing buildings?

We're converting a 3-bed Victorian house into a 6-bed HMO. The council's parking standards say 1 space per bedroom for HMOs, which would mean 6 spaces. We have a small front garden that could fit 2 cars max.

The planning officer says we'll need a transport statement proving residents won't own cars. But this is a suburban area with terrible bus links — of course they'll own cars.

Are parking standards for change-of-use conversions actually enforceable, or are they just guidelines? I've seen plenty of HMOs on this road with zero parking provision.

Parking standards are guidance, not absolute requirements. The council must consider them but can approve schemes that don't meet them if other transport measures are provided (e.g. bike storage, car club membership, proximity to public transport).

That said, your point about terrible bus links is relevant. If you can demonstrate that residents will realistically need cars, the council should either require parking or refuse the application. The fact that other HMOs on the road have no parking is useful comparative evidence.

Thanks — we'll include the comparative evidence and challenge the transport statement requirement.