Plans to convert two flats into a six-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been refused, with one councillor saying it was physically impossible to access one of the bathrooms.

MPA Property Investments Ltd wants to convert the end-of-terrace building at 523 West Street into an HMO.

It was referred to the southern planning committee by Crewe St Barnabas councillor, James Pratt (Conservative), over numerous concerns including lack of parking, overdevelopment and lack of amenity.

At Wednesday's (July 30) meeting, committee members agreed with him, despite the council's planning officers recommending it for approval.

The HMO plans were referred to the southern planning committee by Crewe St Barnabas councillor, James Pratt (Conservative), over numerous concerns including lack of parking, overdevelopment and lack of amenity (Nub News).

Talking about one of the en suite bathrooms, Cllr Andrew Kolker (Holmes Chapel, Conservative), said: "The door opens, just about scrapes past the lo, then you're not going to be able to stand next to the shower.

"And the sink, you're going to have to be doubled over because it's a sloping wall, because it's next to the dormer, and so you're physically not going to be able to get into that bathroom."

He also said there was no window in one of the proposed bedrooms.

Earlier in the meeting, the committee had heard from nearby resident David Simcox.

Mr Simcox said: "It's a clear case of overdevelopment.

The 523 West Street HMO plan was refused, despite council's planning officers recommending it for approval (Google).

"You have six unrelated adults in a small end-terrace with just one parking space on a bridge with double yellow lines in an area already overwhelmed by residents and Bentley staff parking on side streets."

He added: "The kitchen is the only shared space for six adults. There's no lounge, no dining area, and there's barely any outdoor space."

Crewe councillors Marilyn Houston (Labour) and Roger Morris (Conservative), also raised concerns over the site only having one on-site parking space.

The highways officer said the parking was adequate but Cllr Morris said: "I can't believe anybody would park a car on that road, and somebody's coming over a bridge, it's just an accident waiting to happen."

Cllr Kolker moved the application be refused and this was seconded by Cllr Morris.

Crewe Central Conservative councillor, Roger Morris (CEC).

The committee was unanimous in refusing it on the grounds the second-floor bedroom would not provide adequate levels of amenity for future occupants due to insufficient information in relation to roof height, irregular layout and lack of window.

Councillors also said there was insufficient private amenity space outside.

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