Plans proposed for an eight-bedroom HMO in Bicester

An application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council, the planning authority, to change the use of a three-bedroom detached dwelling in Kingsclere Road to an eight-bed with ensuite HMO.

The current home, which is thought to have been constructed in around the 1960s as a private house, currently has two off street parking spaces, two reception rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.

READ MORE: Petition to fix-up deteriorating Bicester Sainsbury’s

To accommodate the increase of bedrooms, an existing single storey flat roofed garage to the side of the property is planned to be demolished.

In its place will be a new part single storey and part two storey extension to the side and rear of the property.

Ground floor plan of the newly proposed 8-bedroom HMO in Bicester (Image: JMD Architects)

This will partly house the new rooms, which all measure more than 14m square excluding the ensuite, and an open plan communal kitchen, dining and living room, measuring around 28m square.

There is also provision for 10 covered Sheffield type bicycle stands to the rear of the property.

First floor plan of the newly proposed 8-bedroom HMO in Bicester (Image: JMD Arcjotects)

In the design and access statement, submitted by JMD Architects on behalf of the applicant, it said there is a “real need for quality rooms with ensuites in shared houses for younger single professionals who are working in the own and beyond and are unable to afford the rent for larger flats and houses.”

The planning authority has until May 26 to make a decision.