AN unauthorised house in multiple occupation has been granted permission to continue in its current usage.

The detached property at 13 Snowdon Road, Bournemouth, is already in use as an HMO, although "no planning records have approved such a use", according to a report by council planning officer Emma Patchell.

It will house nine tenants.

Under council policy, if 10 per cent of housing stock in a given area consists of HMOs no new permissions can be granted, however the report states that only two other HMOs are in the vicinity.

"On balance the conversion of the property to a Sui-Generis HMO would not increase intensity of this use to a degree that would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area, especially as the cumulative impact has not reached a critical point in this location," the report states.

It adds that the usage will help "encourage mixed and balanced communities" as per council policy.

The scheme was approved by officers under delegated powers.