By Anna Whittaker, local democracy reporter

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A bid for new apartments in Beeston has prompted heated comments about the town becoming a ‘student village’.

Plans to convert six garages and existing flats to create two houses in Henry Road were rejected by Broxtowe Borough councilors at the authority’s planning meeting on June 8.

The request for two four-bedroom HMOs – multi-occupancy homes – did not say whether they would be for students.

Six neighbors opposed the request, citing parking and traffic issues and the number of HMOs already nearby.

Councilors and residents of Beeston have long been concerned about the growing student population at Beeston, particularly in family homes.

Broxtowe Borough Council introduced a ‘section 4 direction’ in March which means planning permission is required to change the use of a house to an HMO for four or more people.

Council documents said that for the Henry Road plans, there would be “no significant adverse impact” on the area.

Councilor Philip Owen (Con) claimed Beeston was “becoming a student village”.

He said: ‘I know people say it’s a good thing, but these properties were built for Broxtowe residents, not students.

“I am becoming very concerned about the generalization of student accommodation, never in my opinion for the benefit of local communities.

“I do not approve of the conversion of garage spaces into accommodation where there is already clearly insufficient parking supply, and that will make matters worse.

“We should try to dig our heels in and say enough is enough.

“It’s time we claimed Beeston for family life.”

Councilor Greg Marshall (Lab) said he did not support the request, but added, “I don’t want to create the impression that students are not welcome at Beeston.

“In my opinion, they are an integral part of the community.”

Patrick Lally (Lab), a ward councilor for the area, said approval of the application would be a “step backwards”.

“Henry Road is an absolute nightmare. You go down there and you can’t turn around down there because it’s so crowded,” he said.

“I urge the committee to reject this proposal. It’s a step too far. »

Councilor Tim Hallam (Lib Dem) added: “Converting an office building into student apartments is fine with me.

“I can’t support this because it hurts people I know in society who are in need. This is, in my opinion, unnecessary. »

Justine Andrews, a Henry Road resident who spoke at the meeting, said her main concern was parking.

She said: “A lot of houses have multiple vehicles and we have to park half on the sidewalk and half beside it because the road is so narrow.

“We have a problem with surrounding HMOs using Henry Road for parking.

“Using the road will increase traffic with more vehicles. There was a lack of communication about it, a lot of people didn’t even know it was planned.

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