Kegworth estate gains 'unacceptable' sixth HMO despite fears over lack of parking

A Kegworth estate’s proposed sixth house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been approved despite multiple concerns. Residents had slammed the “unacceptable” plan, claiming residents would be forced to walk in the road.

The proposal, put forward by Dr Tracy O’Leary, focused on 17 Howard Drive in Kegworth. She intended to transform the existing four-bedroom home into a five-bed HMO through converting the current dining room into a new bedroom.

No increase on the existing three parking spaces, including one inside a garage, was provided in plans either, sparking much concern from residents and councillors. Fears were heightened as the proposed HMO would also have become the sixth in Howard Drive, with increased traffic becoming a major concern.

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One resident, who said the scheme was “unacceptable”, claimed the road already suffered from cars being “all over the place”. They feared more vehicles would obstruct pavements and force people to “walk on the roads”.

Others hit out at the need for the HMO at all, with one claiming that Howard Drive was already “oversubscribed” with similar schemes. They said the existing properties already presented issues on what they claimed was meant to be a small estate for families.

Kegworth Parish Council also raised concerns about the conversion. In a five-point objection letter, they said Dr O’Leary’s plan was an “over-intensive” development of the site, while they feared the proposed fifth bedroom would be “too small” for a future occupant.

Parish Councillors also added to fears about lack of parking, claiming there was a shortfall of two spaces. However, officials at Leicestershire County Council’s Highways Team disagreed, saying the proposal would provide “sufficient” parking provisions for five residents and any potential safety impacts would “not be unacceptable”.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) also dismissed concerns about the HMO and approved the scheme, claiming it was a “sustainable” development. It did put conditions on Dr O’Leary’s scheme though, insisting that no more than five people could live on-site, while cycle parking provisions should also be provided. The council said that the parking spaces should be used at all times by future occupants to “reduce the possibility” of on-street parking.

Council approval makes Howard Drive’s sixth HMO the latest in a long line for Kegworth, following in the footsteps of similar schemes in Huffer Road, Heafield Drive , Station Road and Wyvelle Crescent despite multiple concerns. An 11-bed HMO for Station Road was rejected earlier this year over fears it would leave residents in “unacceptable living conditions”.