Borough councillors reject pitch for derelict former drug deal “magnet” and squat to become bedsit

The proposed eight-person HMO in Oxford Street, Long Eaton. Image from Eddie Bisknell.

Plans to turn a derelict former “magnet” for drug deals and squatters into an eight-person bedsit have been rejected by councillors.

The two-storey end-of-terrace home in Oxford Street, Long Eaton, sits directly next to the former Galaxy Row Cinema site, which is undergoing regeneration.

On Wednesday, June 10th, its councillors unanimously rejected plans to bring a problem property back into use as an eight-person HMO (house in multiple occupation).

A “passionate” speech was delivered to the meeting by a representative of Saint Realty Ltd, the firm behind the plans, registered in Covent Garden, London.

Tonay Win, a director for the company, said his firm worked with the council to provide social housing and that the property was already a four-person bedsit, but with many historic issues.

He said when the firm bought the property, the door was left open, and it had been the centre of numerous police and council licensing visits, with the HMO becoming a “magnet for squatting and drug deals”.

Mr Win said the property was a “recognised burden on the police and licensing team”.

He said the plan had been recommended for approval but that the recommendation had been changed at 8:45am on the day of the meeting, allowing no time to address concerns.

Mr Win said he was happy to make any changes to meet the requirements, including removing white goods from the floor and installing flood barriers.

He contended that room sizes were sufficient and considered “large” for this accommodation type.

Mr Win said: “I would like to bring this property back to life and take this burden off your shoulders.

“This property has promise and can provide a benefit for a town centre that needs footfall and life.”

Councillor Joel Bryan (Lab) said: “I have made my thoughts known on the standards expected of HMOs and I don’t think this meets those standards.”

Councillor Ann Mills (Gre) said: “With the right plan, this can be an asset to Long Eaton, but this isn’t the right plan.

“One bedroom having a bathroom on a different floor is an inconvenience to say the least.

“This property is a four-bed HMO, why does it need to squeeze in eight? Come back with the right plan.”

Councillor Kevin Miller (Con) said: “I hear the passion of the applicant. They are very convincing, they should be a politician. I encourage them to come back with the right plan, there is no doubt about the plan or your passion.”