Plans in for 11-bed HMO in Spalding Road, Holbeach

Retrospective plans to convert a listed building into a house of multiple occupancy and apartments have been put forward.

The property at 2-4 Spalding Road, Holbeach, has previously operated as a bed and breakfast and office space.

However, it is now hoped the venue can become an 11-bedroom HMO, along with three studio apartments.

HMOs are defined as properties rented out by at least three people who are not from the same household, often sharing amenities such as a bathroom and kitchen.

The building has space for six vehicles and six bikes.

Coun Graham Rudkin, who represents Holbeach Town on South Holland District Council, has questioned whether this is enough for a dwelling, with so many rooms, near the town centre.

“The only concern I have is parking,” he said.

“The building is in a conservation area so it’s important that it keeps the way it looks outside.”

The design, access and heritage statement, drawn up by Clayton Architecture on behalf of applicant API, states: “Changes to the internal layout of the building are proposed, however they have taken into consider (sic) the main load bearing walls and chimney breasts so that there will be minimal works to the main structure of the original building.

“All new walls are studwork to ensure they can easily be removed without affecting the architectural detail within the design.”

The Grade II listed building, located close to the town centre, is located within Holbeach Conservation Area.

The statement continued: “The proposed development will have very little impact on the listed building. Areas mentioned in the listing will be unaffected as there are no external works, the design will not impact the conservation area it sits within.

“As the proposal is close to a town centre, it is easily accessible and sustainable.

“The development will not need parking spaces due to its proximity to the town centre but has space for six cars and six bikes.”