Cheshire East has deferred an application to convert a derelict Crewe church hall into an HMO, with councillors raising concerns about future residents being crammed into 10 'monk-like cells.'

Skope Property Investments originally wanted to convert the former hall on Vincent Street into a 12-bed house in multiple occupation, but has since reduced the number to 10.

The southern planning committee raised numerous concerns about the proposal and eventually deferred it for more information about waste storage, how the site would be generally managed and for clarification on available on-road parking in the evenings – as the proposal offered none on site.

Skope Property Investments originally wanted to convert the derelict former hall on Vincent Street into a 12-bed house in multiple occupation, but has since reduced the number to 10 (Ryan Parker).

Ward councillor Hazel Faddes (Labour), speaking as a visiting member, told the committee: "The design of this HMO would give future tenants a poor standard of living conditions.

"A small kitchen and communal area for 10 residents is not really ideal."

She said the assumption that people living HMOs didn't have cars was not true and she disputed claims there was enough on-road parking.

"In the evenings and early mornings in Vincent Street and adjoining roads, vehicles park bumper to bumper," said Cllr Faddes.

Cllr Jill Rhodes (Labour), speaking as a Crewe town councillor, raised concerns about bin storage and collection and said it was generally recognised HMOs generated more rubbish than family homes.

She was also unhappy with the room sizes and communal areas, although was assured by the planning officers they met required size standards.

Crewe East councillor Hazel Faddes (Labour) (CEC).

"This council desperately needs one-bedroom apartments, particularly for those children coming out of care. It needs them for older adults," said Cllr Rhodes.

"We have an ideal building that would provide wonderful one-bedroom apartments and instead we are put in an application for 10 monk-like cells that are barely big enough to have a wardrobe and bedside cabinet."

Shavington councillor, Linda Buchanan (Labour), said: "I think this HMO is going to be overcrowded.

"For me, HMOs are a licence to print money because you pack people into small spaces in order to maximise profit."

Crewe West councillor, Ben Wye (Labour), said there were also concerns about rats in the area because it backed on to the railway line.

"It is susceptible to rats and, if you've got shared kitchens and things, with the best will in the world I think it's a risk," Cllr Wye said.

Crewe West councillor, Ben Wye (Labour) (CEC).

"And there's a general point about the dignity of people who actually live there.

"I know it's not part of the planning application, but to be crammed into that site – I wouldn't want my children to live there."

The committee voted unanimously to defer the application.

READ MORE: Crewe's biggest college receives 'Good' report from Ofsted.

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