Plans to double size of Spalding house of multiple occupancy to 12-bed property refused

Plans to double the size of a house of multiple occupancy have been refused.

Applicant Mr G. Wiglusz had hoped to make alterations to his property on Spalding’s Westlode Street, taking the number of bedrooms from six to 12.

Among the reasons given for the refusal were that three proposed bedrooms would be too small and there would be ‘minimal communal space’.

“This property is considered to be of inadequate size to accommodate the number of occupants to be served by the HMO, likely to be a minimum of 12 individuals” the planning decision letter signed by South Holland District Council assistant director for planning Phil Norman said.

“Three of the proposed bedrooms would fail to conform to the nationally Described Space Standards, while there is only minimal communal space dedicated within the property.

“This insufficient amenity space would detrimentally impact the standard of living of potential occupiers.”

The planning officer report explained that ‘significant alterations would occur’ if the application was passed.

“The existing lounge, game room, office, larger dining room, upstairs store and bathroom would all be converted to bedrooms,” it added.

“This would leave a single dining room as a communal area.

“The alterations would result in four communal bathrooms and seven en suites.”