Family applies to turn its former shop into HMO

Plans have been submitted to convert a former shop in Spalding into a ‘house in multiple occupation’ (HMO) with five separate bedrooms.

Sundeep Tamber has applied to South Holland District Council to transform the long closed property on Acacia Avenue, writes Local Democracy Reporter James Turner.

The property is currently unused and the applicant says the proposed alterations require little exterior work.

Mr Tamber and his family had also previously run the shop and the adjacent former Happy Shopper store on Acacia Avenue.

On the ground floor, the plans outline a small utility room with a cycle and bin store, leading to a shared lounge. It would also offer a shared kitchen with a separate dining room, along with a small shower room and a staircase to the first floor.

On the first floor, there would be five separate bedrooms and one bathroom.

Outside, the property benefits from off-road parking to the front and side, along with amenity space to the rear.

In a planning statement, the applicant wrote: “The proposal seeks to convert a currently unused commercial area to create a much needed self-contained residential dwelling within the settlement area of the town.

“As the buildings originally intended use was for residential and there is very little exterior alteration involved we believe that the proposal is sympathetic to the character and significance of the building and the area.

“We therefore respectfully request that the council should move to grant approval of planning permission for these proposals.”

Outside, the property benefits from off road parking to the front and side of the property along with amenity space to the rear.

  • The article has been edited. It was initially reported that the application related to the former site of The Happy Shopper store. It is in fact the premises across the road. The Voice would like to apologise for any confusion caused.

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