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Tenants could living above a former Gloucester betting shop if plans to convert it into a house of multiple occupancy are approved.
City planners are due to consider a scheme next week to change the use of 2 Oxford Street.
Harry Johnson has applied to Gloucester City Council for listed building consent for external and internal alterations to facilitate a part change into a five-bedroom house in multiple occupancy.
The three-storey building is a grade II-listed building that dates back to 1823 and forms part of a uniform terrace of 10 homes on the east side of the street.
No 2 is the exception and has a 19th or early 20th-century shop on the ground floor which was previously used as a bookmaker. The remaining floors and loft space is used as a private home.
The proposals include convert the existing property from a bookmaker on the ground floor and private dwelling above to a five-bedroom house of multiple occupancy.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton), who represents the area at both the city and the county council, said: “A change of use to residential from a bookmaker at Number 2 Oxford Street is planned again.
“It’s a pity the proposal is for a house in multiple occupation rather than single family accommodation.
“The original plan for a six bedroomed HMO was scrapped on objection from myself and council officers. It was overcrowded and badly laid out.
“The new proposal for a five bedroomed HMO is much better. The layout is less congested, but ultimately this is a disappointing planning application.”
Officers have recommended approving the scheme subject to conditions. The city council’s planning committee will consider the proposals on November 7.
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
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