PLANS to alter a property making it suitable for multiple occupancy have been met with opposition citing a resulting “overdevelopment” and possible parking problems.

A planning application for changes to a four-bed semi-detached property on Deeds Grove, in High Wycombe, increasing the number bedrooms and parking spaces has received criticism from neighbours and councillors alike.

The applicant, Mr Sarfraz Hussain, is seeking planning permission from Buckinghamshire Council to build a single-storey side and rear extension to create a six-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) – and the creation of three new parking spaces, as well as waste and bicycle storage.

The result would be two additional bedrooms and an extension of the lounge and kitchen.

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It should be noted, conversion to a six-bed HMO is considered “permitted development”, not requiring planning permission.

Bucks Free Press:

However, Conservative Cllrs Alan Hill and Lesley Clarke expressed concerns about the design and its impact on local highways.

“This is an overdevelopment of this site and the loss of another much-needed family home,” said Cllr Hill.

“There is already insufficient parking in this area with cars very often double parked and the bus also has a job to get around the estate due to inconsiderate parking.

“To introduce more cars would increase the problem.”

Nine other objections to the proposal cite ‘parking and highway problems’ and a “change in the character of the area from family housing”.

The Highways Authority however raised no objections to this application.

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A nearby property was denied by the council a similar request for a seven-bed HMO which cited “over-intensification” of the site, a “detrimental impact upon the character and appearance of the area”, and failure to achieve “a satisfactory living environment” for future occupants.

It also said the shared facilities would be “unsatisfactorily small” for the number of inhabitants.

Buckinghamshire Council also raised concerns about a shortfall of parking spaces and displaced parking, a lack of communal space, and ‘no outside area to sit’.

Yet another nearby application for an eight-bed HMO was refused owing to ‘increased noise and disturbance’, lack of parking, and “insufficient” communal facilities.

The matter is due for debate during a West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, on Tuesday, November 10, where councillors will only discuss the alterations, not the change of use.

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