10-bedroom HMO at 2 Central Road, Hugglescote, Coalville

The site and its setting

The vacant, untidy site occupies a prominent crossroads location, fronts two roads, and has an existing access from Grange Road.

“The site is currently vacant and in an untidy condition. The site is located on the prominent cross roads fronting both Central Road and Grange Road. A gas governor station is located adjacent to the site within the Grange Road frontage. The site has an existing vehicular access from Grange Road.”

“The application site is located within the limits to development as per the adopted Local Plan. The site is within the National Forest. The site is located within the “Coal Development – Low Risk Area”. The site is located opposite the Hugglescote Community Centre which is considered to be a non- designated heritage asset.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals included permitted schemes for four apartments and five assisted living flats, while other applications were withdrawn.

“23/00967/PNK - Existing building to be re-built and converted into 4 no. apartments (prior approval application) – Withdrawn by the applicant given that the proposals would not comply with Class MA criteria as outlined in the GPDO.”

“21/00896/FUL - Part demolition of existing building, erection of a two storey extension and change of use to five assisted living flats alongside other external works and alterations – Application Permitted…”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The parish council and 16 third-party representations objected over intensity, parking, noise, waste, character, amenity, community cohesion and other concerns.

“- Over-intensive use and impact on character - Lack of parking and impact on highway safety - Additional noise, disturbance and waste - Impact on community cohesion…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and applicant spoke in support, while the ward member raised concerns about local need, waste collection and policy compliance.

Members’ concerns

Members discussed housing quality, the number of occupants, enforcement of the ten-person limit and more efficient bin storage.

“A discussion was had during which members expressed concern over the quality of housing. Members also raised concerns about the number of occupants in the building, and they asked how the limit of 10 would be enforced. The Principal Planning Officer explained that this would be handled by the enforcement team.”

“Additionally, members noted that issues with bin storage may occur following the implementation of the new waste system. It was therefore asked whether, as a provision, a condition could be included to make bin storage in the area more efficient.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to permit the application with an efficient bin-storage condition was carried after a recorded vote.

“Chair’s signature Councillor R Morris moved that the application be approved, subject to the inclusion of a condition relating to efficient bin storage to prevent issues with food waste from occurring. It was seconded by Councillor R Canny.”

“Motion to permit the application, subject to the inclusion of a condition relating to efficient bin storage to prevent issues with food waste from occurring. (Motion) Councillor Russell Boam For Councillor Ray Morris For Councillor Dave Bigby For Councillor Rachel Canny For Councillor David Everitt Against Councillor John Legrys Against Councillor Peter Moult For Councillor Carol Sewell Abstain Councillor Jenny Simmons For Councillor Michael Wyatt Against Councillor Richard…”

Minutes

The decision

The application was permitted subject to an additional condition relating to efficient bin storage and food-waste problems.

“The application be permitted, subject to the inclusion of a condition relating to efficient bin storage to prevent issues with food waste from occurring.”

Minutes