Extension to HMO is given approval

A LOUGHBOROUGH house of multiple occupation has been given the go ahead to erect an extension - despite concerns that it will be used for another bedroom.

Charnwood Borough Council’s planning committee discussed the application to build a single storey extension to the rear of 51 Cumberland Road at a meeting on Thursday, June 1.

The application was brought to the committee at the request of Coun Jenni Tillotson as she had concerns over the physical impact the proposal would have on neighbouring properties and additional noise and disturbance for those living nearby.

A document presented at the meeting stated the home currently has four bedrooms and applicant, Mr Johann Wiseman, stated the number of bedrooms will not increase.

An officer at the meeting told the committee, as the property is a house of multiple occupation, the maximum number of tenants living there could be six.

Loughborough Storer ward Coun Sandie Forrest spoke at the meeting. She said: “The extension is said to be for an existing bedroom - but why? To put another student in there. One more student in the area means one more car.”

Coun Brenda Seaton said: “I’d love to be able to say no to this, but I can’t. We have got to take it on face value; that it’s not going to increase the occupancy there.”

Coun Margaret Smidowicz said: “We can’t predict the future but the history of Loughborough shows things are never quite what we think they’re going to be.

“I’d like to believe it will remain at four bedrooms but I do have my doubts.”

The application was granted; six councillors voted in favour and three against.