Council rejects plan to convert Crewe shop into eight-bed HMO

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:32 · Archive

Plans to convert a former Castaways shop in Crewe into an eight-bed house in multiple occupation have been refused.

Cheshire East Council has refused an application from Capital Housing Ltd to convert the former Castaways shop on West Street in Crewe into an eight-bed house in multiple occupation. Planning officers, acting under delegated authority, refused the scheme last week.

The application had originally been recommended for approval by planners and was due to be considered by the southern planning committee last month. However, it was withdrawn from the agenda because the council had not received all the relevant paperwork.

Planning officers rejected the proposal because it would result in the loss of a retail unit. The applicant had failed to provide sufficient evidence that the premises had been marketed for 12 months for commercial use, as required by council policy. The applicant stated the property was marketed for approximately two years before being put to auction in April 2026.

How it is being reported

• Plans to turn former Crewe shop into 8-bed HMO rejectedCouncil officers said the property was not marketed for commercial use as long as the applicant claimedCheshire Live · 14 Oct, 06:00
• Planners do U-turn and refuse permission to convert former charity shop into HMOPlans to convert the former Castaways shop in Crewe into an HMO have been refused after council officers said the property was not marketed for commercial use as long as the applicant claimed, a planning report states.Northwich Guardian · 12 Oct, 15:33

In this story: Capital Housing Ltd · Cheshire East Council · Crewe · West Street · Castaways

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