Councillor George Potter echoed unease about the wider picture, saying he remained uncomfortable with the steady loss of family homes to HMOs in residential areas.
But he accepted that, in planning terms, the council would struggle to defend a refusal.
Neighbours also raised a long list of concerns, including parking pressure, noise, loss of privacy and the gradual erosion of what they see as a family-friendly community.
Several objectors said there was already enough shared and rented accommodation in the area and that Guildford needs more homes for families.