Kegworth: Historical village building to become student home

One of the oldest buildings in a Leicestershire village is set to be turned into student accommodation.

The three-bedroom home in Dragwell, Kegworth, which dates back to the 1500s, is to be converted into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

North West Leicestershire District Council approved the plan on Thursday, despite residents' concerns.

Neighbours raised fears over the layout and how it would affect on-street parking.

The applicant believes there is a market for HMOs in the village, particularly to provide student accommodation for the Sutton Bonington campus of the University of Nottingham.

The building will have a fourth bedroom added through the conversion of a ground-floor room, meaning it can accommodate up to six people.

Kegworth Parish Council objected to another HMO being approved in the village, saying the increased number limits the availability of homes.

A statement from the council added: "This property is one of the oldest buildings in the village and whilst not listed, it is a building of historical interest and any development should be sympathetic to the original building."

Six letters of representation from neighbours were submitted, which raised concerns over whether the space would be sufficient for the occupants to be comfortable, and that the lack of off-street parking in the plans could exacerbate existing parking problems in the area.

Ward councillor Carole Sewell said the conversion, "if not sympathetically carried out would have a detrimental effect on the conservation area", adding that the layout of the HMO was "poor".

A report from NWLDC's planning department said the new use would "not give rise to any significant impacts upon residential amenities, highway safety, design, airport safeguarding or archaeology".

It added: "It is considered that the proposals would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area."

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