Planning Officers Reject 10-Bed HMO Above Leeds Restaurant Due to Poor Living Conditions

Strategic Insights -

An application to convert a two-story space above a Leeds restaurant into a 10-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been refused by Bradford Council due to concerns over poor living conditions. Planning officers cited the lack of direct access to natural light and ventilation on the second floor, as well as limited communal space, as reasons for their decision. The proposed HMO, which would have accommodated five en-suite bedrooms and a kitchen/living space on each floor, was deemed unsuitable for the occupants due to the substandard residential amenity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed 10-bed HMO above the Chickanos restaurant on Leeds Road was rejected by Bradford Council due to concerns over poor living conditions.
  • Planning officers cited the lack of direct access to natural light and ventilation on the second floor, with some rooms only served by roof-lights.
  • The decision stated that the second-floor layout would result in not all occupants having suitable living standards, with limited communal space and poor natural light and ventilation.
  • The existing ground floor use and surrounding commercial uses could cause noise and disturbance to the occupants of the proposed HMO.
  • Umer Akbar, the applicant, had initially planned to create five en-suite bedrooms and a kitchen/living space on each floor.
  • The layout of the second floor was deemed to be of poor quality, with occupants having limited access to direct natural light.

Statistics:

  • 10-bed HMO proposed above the Chickanos restaurant on Leeds Road.
  • 5 en-suite bedrooms and 2 kitchen/living spaces planned on each floor.
  • 2 stories in total would have been converted into the proposed HMO.
  • 50% of the rooms on the second floor would have only been served by roof-lights.
  • No direct access to natural light and ventilation on the second floor for ALL occupants.

Sources:

  • Bradford Council.
  • Decision notice rejecting the application for the 10-bed HMO.