Beeston residents told Nottinghamshire Live they have no objections to a hotel being converted into a building which may become student housing. The Linden Leaf Hotel on Station Road has had an application put in to Broxtowe Borough Council to transform the urban quirky hotel into a HMO (house of multiple occupation) which is likely to house students.
Due to the number of students in Beeston, student accommodation and housing is often a hot topic with locals. There have been complaints about noise, partying, and mess alongside some understanding that students need safe and sanitary housing.
Those factors were mentioned when we spoke to people in the area about the plan.
Psychotherapist Sarah, who did not wish to give her last name and is from Beeston, said: “It needs to be a decent size so students can work properly but I am ok with it being student accommodation as long as the students are well looked after.”
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The support for the proposal was echoed by Michael, who also lives nearby.
“I strongly support it the more learning the better in the the world," he said. "As long as the students keep the place clean and tidy, I agree with making the hotel into student accommodation. It is a shame that the hotel shut though, I am shocked it hasn’t reopened.”
Michael’s wife added: “I’m optimistic about it, especially if it is turned into student accommodation. As long as the students keep it clean and tidy it should be fine. If it is given to them in a good condition it should lead to them treating it with respect, especially if the landlord is good to them.”
The positive responses on this occasion is in contrast to previous reports, which stated that an increase in students living in houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) is worrying Beeston residents who think their community is suffering as a result, even as council acts to limit them.
A significant number of family homes are now believed to being bought by developers to accommodate the demand with properties sometimes having more than five students under one roof.
After hearing concerns from councillors and residents, Broxtowe Borough Council brought in an ‘Article 4 Direction’ on March 26. It means planning permission will be needed to change the use of a house to an HMO with three to six people such as students.
At the time, Cllr Milan Radulovic (Lab), leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, said it has taken almost two years to bring the idea of limiting HMOs to fruition.
He said there had been “a glut” of HMOs over the last 12 months as developers tried to avoid the policy before it came into force.
“It is changing the nature of Beeston,” he said.
The town now has a £14 million cinema, new bars and restaurants, a street art trail, and is also aiming to become ‘a major destination’ for shoppers and revellers.
