Plans for Eight-Bed HMO Rejected Over Parking

Councillors have rejected plans to turn a family home near the University of Reading into an eight-bedroom HMO after parking concerns.

Wokingham Borough Councils planning committee refused the application in Harcourt Drive, Earley, on Wednesday, October 14, despite officers recommending approval.

The scheme would have extended the existing four-bedroom house and converted it into an eight-bedroom HMO with two off-street parking spaces, eight cycle bays and about 140 square metres of shared garden.

The application was called to committee by ward councillor Pauline Jorgensen amid worries about parking provision, and both residents and Earley Town Council objected.

Residents said the development could worsen parking pressures in the road, especially during university term time, and flagged vehicles linked to the nearby University of Reading and parking displaced from restrictions and charges in nearby Pepper Lane.

A parking survey carried out by the applicant found there was adequate parking available overnight, but neighbours questioned whether a 1am survey reflected daytime and term-time conditions. The councils highways team raised no objection, saying at least two on-street spaces were available within an acceptable walking distance, and officers noted there are no specific parking space quotas for HMOs.

Mrs Edwards, speaking on behalf of neighbours, said: "We do not object to HMOs in principle. Our concern is having an eight-bedroom HMO with only two parking spaces."

Councillors rejected the application following concerns about parking.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter