House conversions denied

12:17pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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NEIGHBOURHOODS in some parts of Basingstoke are changing out of recognition as more family homes are divided into flats.

That was the claim of some councillors on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's development control committee, who unanimously rejected planning permission for seven house conversions.

Two of the applications turned down were retrospective, meaning the landlords could be forced to reverse their conversion work - making any tenants living there homeless.

The impact on the character of traditionally close-knit family neighbourhoods was the main reason given for knocking back the conversion plans at homes in Winklebury, Buckskin, South Ham and Popley. Parking problems and noise issues were also cited as reasons for refusal.

The growing number of people moving to work and live in Basingstoke for the short term is thought to be behind the surge in sub-dividing.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Paul Harvey said the conversion epidemic needed to be tackled once and for all.

He said: "It's not just the residents of these areas that are being affected. The people living in the buildings are being exploited."

Cllr Jane Frankum said most people moving into the house conversions were not families.

She said: "It's radically changing these areas."

Permission for house sub-dividing used to lie with council officers but, because of the sheer numbers of applications, the full council handed responsibility to councillors on the development control committee.