Hyde Park flats refusal welcomed by local councillor

12.00.00am GMT Wed 31st Jan 2007

The council has rejected plans to convert a Victorian terrace on Ash Grove (Hyde Park) into two flats, which would have created eleven bedrooms. The refusal has been welcomed by local councillor Kabeer Hussain, who was concerned that the conversion would have been used for student lets.

Councillor Kabeer Hussain (Lib Dem, Hyde Park & Woodhouse) said, "I am delighted that this application has been rejected. The planned conversion was in breach of council's Area of Housing Mix policy that restricts HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) creation in Hyde Park.

"Ash Grove is made-up of 46 attractive Victorian terraced houses. These houses are a good size and they are an appealing prospect for families who may be looking to move into the area. This conversion would not only have been over-intensive but the proposed changes would have had a detrimental effect on the property for future buyers."

Notes to the Editor:

1.The plans put forward for 23 Ash Grove were for a change of use of terrace house to 1 six bedroom flat and 1 five bedroom flat.