Controversial HMO plan for Leicestershire village approved

A three-bed house is to be turned into a seven-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) after Leicestershire councilors approved the plan. The scheme for 92 Chapel Street, by Creative Property Partners, will see the Ibstock property receive a loft conversion and single-storey extension.

The applicant said the new HMO, near Coalville, would cater for seven residents. Residents of the development will share common facilities, including a kitchen and bathroom.

However, the plan has sparked concern in the community, with parish councilor Kevin Morrell claiming it would “exacerbate” the problems of a lack of affordable property for young couples.

READ MORE: Leicestershire village to ‘double’ its size if plan for new homes is approved

Planning documents show the existing ground floor lounge will be converted into an en-suite bedroom, while a new rear extension will accommodate a second bedroom. The remainder of the first floor would be a communal kitchen/living room for residents.

On the first floor, the three existing bedrooms will be remodeled to include two en-suite bathrooms. The new loft conversion will have the final two bedrooms, one of which will be en-suite.

No parking spaces are proposed as part of the plan, but Creative Property Partners said it had an agreement for future residents to use the parking lot behind Chapel Street. Seven bicycle parking spaces are included.

Councilor Morrell argued in his objection to the scheme that the village’s existing HMOs meant the area was “already underserved” for this type of accommodation, but officials at North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) did not agreed. They said the village currently has no planning policies to restrict the “number or concentration” of HMOs, making this plan acceptable.

The NWLDC also said it considered the location of the site to be “sustainable” as it is within walking distance of Ibstock town center and found the proposal did not raise “significant” design issues. The authority also said the development would not impact on neighbors and believed the benefits of increasing accommodation in Ibstock “weighed” any potential negatives.

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