Newark: Propose eight-bedroom house of multiple occupancy at Regal Lodge, Sherwood Avenue, described as odd

A proposed eight-bedroom house of multiple occupancy conversion was described as odd by planning committee members.

Newark Town Council said the planning classification of the proposal at Regal Lodge, on Sherwood Avenue, did not make sense.

Mr David Lloyd said: “I know there is a number threshold, but I can’t in my own mind resolve why an eight-bedroom house of multiple occupancy is suis generis (meaning anything). It shouldn’t be.”

Committee chairman Jane Olson said it would be worthwhile investigating why such a classification was given to a building that was clearly a house of multiple occupancy.

Mr Lloyd added: “Can I propose objection on the lack of information?

“I’m wondering is there parking? If not, this has got scant parking currently for two cars at a push.

“But the suis generis bothers me. I recall the former Friary care home also came as suis generis.

“So, in terms of the number of rooms, you have got to make your mind up if you are a hotel or house of multiple occupancy — which is why it becomes suis generis, I think.

“That is then when you enter the difficult realm of how many kitchens, bathrooms, etc, are acceptable. Are these bed-sits of self-contained flats?

“I don’t feel we have information, fully, on the layout, parking provision or room sizes — there’s none of that.

“And I feel to say carry on with that classification would infer that we find that acceptable, prior to the planning application — it’s cart before horse.”

The committee objected to the application because of a lack of information.

The final decision will be made by Newark and Sherwood District Council.