The upper floors of a Loughborough pub are to be turned into flats after the business closed its doors to the public more than a year ago. The former Moon and Bell on Wards End was previously run by Wetherspoons, but was one of 32 UK pubs shut down by the company in 2023.
Plans submitted to Charnwood Borough Council by Josef Dolan would see the first and second floors of the building become three houses of multiple occupation (HMOs). The first floor would be turned into a seven-bed flat, while the second floor would house two flats, one with four bedrooms and the other with eight. The occupants would share bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces.
No garden is included in the plans for the HMOs, while the applicant says the flats will be "car-free homes". Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant argue HMOs don't need to have outdoor space, and that the property is accessible "to the town centre's services, facilities, and employment opportunities”.
READ MORE: HMO plan for neighbouring terraced houses in conservation area
Documents submitted by Mr Dolan also address the high number of student HMOs in parts of Loughborough. The documents say “the end users may be students; they may not”, adding they could also be used for “professionals, international migrant workers, low-skilled workers, benefit recipients and divorcees”.
The documents add: “The applicant considers it is not solely the students that have caused community concern. Still, the lack of appropriate government legislation, poor historical management of properties by landlords and the council and ineffective policing of its students by the university are other significant factors.”
Mr Dolan also claims Loughborough University’s student discipline policy will deter anti-social behaviour. The application documents can be viewed on the council’s planning portal, and comments and objections must be submitted by Wednesday, March 5.
We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first
