ROMSEY Town Council has voted to object to a retrospective application to convert a house into two flats because it is out of keeping with the area.

Mohhamad Shajahan, of Allen Grove, has applied to Test Valley Borough Council for retrospective permission to turn his house into a pair of flats – the work to the property took place in May and involved no alterations to the outside of the house.

The application was discussed by the Romsey Town Council planning committee on Thursday, October 24, with the committee voting to object to the plans due to fears it could set a precedent in the area.

Cllr Sandra Gidley said that she was concerned about the internal layout of the property, saying: “I was confused because I was trying to work out where the people in flat one were going to have a bath. There is one flat that has a shower and one that doesn’t and only has a toilet.

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“I’m not sure it is a planning issue, but I would like that amended.”

Cllr Janet Burnage said: “It has been made into a house of multiple occupations. That is, I think, concerning.”

Cllr Mark Cooper said: “I think we can object on the basis that the residents are concerned.”

Cllr Russell Theron said: “The way that the objection that has been sent in does not sit right with me. They write that more flats will lead to more crimes. We cannot say that more flats will lead to people being criminals. I just wanted to make that point.”

Cllr Ian Culley said: “I think it is out of keeping with the area and it sets a precedent.”

The town council voted to object to the application.