A former hotel in Swansea, once up for turning into a large shared house, has hit a roadblock! After being sold at auction for £430,000, plans to transform the former White House Hotel into a 12-bed house of multiple occupancy (HMO) were halted by a planning inspector. Concerns about cramped conditions, lack of outdoor space, and poor lighting played a major role in the decision.
The inspector, Anthony Thickett, pointed out that the proposed kitchen, despite its size, would be too cramped for 12 people, and the living room wasn’t up to scratch either. Bedrooms with no windows or outlook weren’t appealing either!
The developer, Lee Roblin, tried to address the issues, even offering to convert a problematic bedroom into extra living space, but it was too little, too late. The planning process doesn’t allow significant changes at the appeal stage.
While the building still has the green light to be converted into five flats, this option was previously deemed unviable. The appeal noted that converting it into an HMO seemed like the only financial option, especially with its potential to generate an impressive rental income.
The proposed HMO promised an attractive spot for students and professionals, boosting local businesses. However, unresolved concerns about living conditions were enough to dismiss the appeal. It seems this Swansea spot will have to wait a bit longer for a new lease of life! 🏢❌
What do you think? Should the transformation have been approved? Let us know in the comments! 📣⬇️