Erewash Borough Council has refused a planning application to convert 44 Eyres Garden, Ilkeston, into an eight-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
The decision was issued on 20 November 2025.
The Application
The proposal (reference ERE/0925/0031) sought permission to change the property from a single-family home into an 8-bed, 8-person HMO.
Plans included reinstating the original front door, replacing the garage doors with new glazing, and adding an eight-stand cycle shelter and bin store at the rear.
The application originally proposed up to 12 occupants before being reduced to 8 following feedback from the council and local residents.
Why the Council Refused the Proposal
The council refused the development on the grounds of highway safety, stating that the scheme would:
- Remove the property’s existing on-site parking
- Increase parking demand on a narrow, dead-end street
- Make existing turning and access issues on Eyres Garden worse
Councillors concluded that these problems could not be resolved through conditions or further changes to the plans.
Local Objections
The application attracted 32 objections from local residents, a county councillor and a nearby dental practice.
Concerns included parking pressure, refuse storage, noise, and the overall intensification of the property.
Because of the level of public concern, the final decision was made by the Planning Committee.
Officer Recommendation Overturned
Planning officers had recommended approval, saying the property met national space standards and that other departments – including Environmental Health and the county’s Highway Authority – had not objected.
However, councillors disagreed with the officers’ assessment of the impact on parking, and voted to refuse the application.
Right to Appeal
The applicant has six months from the date of refusal to appeal the decision through the Planning Inspectorate.
Ilkeston News will continue to follow any appeal or revised application for the site.