The decision allows the property on Pyke Street to continue operating as a house of multiple occupation (HMO), known as Class C4.
Eight formal objections were made by neighbours after the application was submitted to the council.
The change of use affects the layout, turning the home into a four-bedroom terrace arranged for four unrelated individuals, despite originally serving as a single dwelling.
To support this modification, a bike shed is intended for the rear garden, though no external alterations or extensions are proposed for the main dwelling.
The change of use process began retrospectively, meaning the building was in use as an HMO before planning permission was sought.
Barry Town Council was formally consulted on February 10, 2026, raising concerns over highway safety, parking, noise, disruption to residential areas, and the property’s close proximity to a school.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Highway Development department reviewed and accepted the proposal with a key emphasis on installing secure cycle storage due to limited parking.
Residents were notified of the proposal and invited to submit feedback from February 10, with a site notice displayed on March 5.
A total of eight objection letters were received, largely expressing concerns over noise, potential strain on parking, occupation of the property before permission was applied for or granted (and who would be occupying the property), and access issues.
There were also concerns about house prices, a perceived loss of community, potential increase in anti-social behaviour, and overlooking of the nearby primary school.
The proposed four-person occupancy HMO was considered an acceptable use in this location and the application was consequently approved.
The property’s inclusion within the Barry Settlement Boundary, as noted in the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan, was also an important factor in the decision.
Car ownership among HMO occupants is typically lower, and the property’s proximity to public transport, shops, and facilities further reduced concerns about parking demand.
Other issues raised, such as anti-social behaviour, house value impact, and property occupancy prior to granted permission, were not considered relevant within the planning decision process.
Each future HMO application will be considered on a “case by-case basis”, the council stressed, noting that multiple factors go into approving an application like this and that the “approval of one proposal would not automatically set a binding precedent for other applications.”
