Erewash flat conversion plans

The former pub buildings in Mary Street, Ilkeston. Image from Google.

Plans to turn a series of historic pub buildings into flats have emerged after a bid to make the site a 19-bed HMO was rejected.

Jet Property Lettings has put forward new plans for the former buildings which had comprised part of the Old Harrow Inn in St Mary Street, Ilkeston.

Last May, Erewash Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously rejected plans to turn the 120-year-old former pub buildings, just behind Bath Street, into a 19-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The unanimous refusal was due to the size of the proposed bedsits which had been deemed too small, with just seven meeting space standards.

Privacy issues and lack of daylight for some rooms were also raised and formed part of the rejection.

The new project says the applicant cannot afford to pay for any mitigation for the flats or provide any affordable housing, with a lower-than-expected profit of £71,821 already accounted for.

A statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: “The scheme sees the reclamation of the derelict nightclub on St Mary St. through an additional floor, minor demolition and extension work. The proposal will deliver 10 dwellings within the urban core of Ilkeston. 

“The scheme makes efficient use of the most constrained parts of the site through secure cycle storage, supporting sustainable travel. 

“The overall design approach is contextually sensitive, delivering a development with clear identity that responds to local housing needs and enhances the street scene and character of the area.”

Jet Property Lettings said the scheme had been “re-worked” to accommodate 10 self-contained units which all had their own kitchen/lounge and met “National Space Standards”.

They added that the site was on the “very edge” of Ilkeston town centre, was in a “sustainable location” and had nearby “green spaces” too.

They added: “All habitable rooms are served by a window allowing for adequate daylight and outlook. Both reasons for refusal have been comprehensively and demonstrably resolved by the present scheme. 

“The fundamental change in the form of accommodation – from HMO to self-contained flats – is itself sufficient to overcome the first limb; the redesign of the building’s layout, fenestration and amenity provision addresses the remainder.”

Of the 10 flats, six would be one-person and four would be two-person – totalling 14 people.

The documents detail that one of the one-person flats is exactly the minimum space required for one person at 37 square metres, while a second one-bed flat is 37.3 square metres – surpassing the requirement by 30cm squared.

Meanwhile, two of the two-person flats provide the exact minimum space required of 50 square metres.

The applicant said: “Overall, the proposal would successfully restore a vacant building to residential use, ensuring its long-term viability within the Ilkeston Conservation Area.”