Council rejects plans to convert home to HMO near Reading

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Wokingham Borough Council has rejected plans to convert a four-bedroom house into an eight-bedroom shared home near the University of Reading.

Wokingham Borough Council's planning committee refused an application on Wednesday, October 14 to convert a four-bedroom house on Harcourt Drive in Earley into an eight-bedroom HMO. An HMO is a property shared by people from different households who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. The proposal would have included two off-street parking spaces.

Ward councillor Pauline Jorgensen called the application to committee over parking concerns. Residents and Earley Town Council objected to the plans, saying the development could worsen parking pressures in the road, particularly during university term time. Mrs Edwards, speaking for neighbours, said: 'We do not object to HMOs in principle. Our concern is having an eight-bedroom HMO with only two parking spaces.' Residents raised additional concerns about vehicles associated with the nearby University of Reading and parking displaced from restrictions and charges in nearby Pepper Lane.

The applicant's parking survey found adequate parking available overnight. Residents however questioned whether the survey, conducted at 1am, reflected parking conditions during the day and throughout the university term. The council's highways team raised no objection, concluding that at least two on-street spaces were available within an acceptable walking distance. Officers noted there were no specific parking space quotas for HMOs, meaning the proposal had to be assessed on its individual circumstances.

How it is being reported

• Plans to turn family home into HMO near Reading UniversityPLANS to turn a family home near the University of Reading into an HMO have been rejected by councillors concerned about parking.Bracknell News · 16 Oct, 05:00
• Plans to turn family home into HMO near Reading UniversityPLANS to turn a family home near the University of Reading into an HMO have been rejected by councillors concerned about parking.Reading Chronicle · 16 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Wokingham Borough Council · University of Reading · Earley · Harcourt Drive · Pauline Jorgensen

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