Guesthouse in Emneth to be turned into nine bedroom house of multiple occupants
A guesthouse just off the A47 has been granted permission to be turned into a nine-bedroom house of multiple occupancy.
The property on Elm High Road, Emneth, used to be the Westfield Guesthouse hotel and is around 2km away from Wisbech.
It comes after the site has already been used as an HMO for 18 months due to a high demand for one during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During this period, no complaints have been made about noise of the using of the building.
The owner has now put in for permission for the building to be turned into an official HMO in order to keep running.
The rooms consists of six bedrooms with en-suites and three smaller bedrooms which would share a bathroom.
Emneth Parish councillors objected to the planning application.
They said that it would have a negative impact on tourism in the area.
However, Fenland District Council, Environmental Health, Housing Standards and the Highways Authourity have no objections to the change to be a HMO to go ahead.
Some councillors at the planning meeting held on Monday, January 9 raised concerns about the size of the three smaller bedrooms in the HMO, with the smallest being 7ft 10ins by 9ft 2ins.
Councillor Jo Rust, said: "I share concerns of room sizes and think there is a lack of commercial space."
Housing authorities are aware of the room sizes.
Councillor Michael de Whalley, added: "I share concerns over the lack of commercial space. Those with smaller bedrooms would be at disadvantage."
However, Cllr Chris Crofts said: "The environmental agency will be monitoring this."
He went on to say that it is not the council's decision to make the decision if rooms are too small, but instead up to the environment agency.
"There's worse places in King's Lynn."
The building wouldn't be physically altered and offers a car park with 10 spaces.
The council voted in approval of the application made with eight votes voting for and seven against, meaning that the approval is carried.
