'Eyesore' office block could turn into HMO

An "eyesore" office block could be turned into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

Heritage House, on the corner of Bath Road and Eastcott Road in Swindon's Old Town, could become student-style accommodation for 19 people on the two existing floors.

Developer Scott Kirby said wants to put an entirely new storey on the building, creating four self-contained flats.

Local people said they were glad the building would be renovated, but had concerns about parking.

If the proposals are approved, the existing two floors of the building will be converted to a shared HMO with 19 bedrooms, nine on the ground floor and 10 on the first, all with an ensuite toilet and shower.

There would also be two open-plan living rooms and kitchens, assigned to specific bedrooms, on each floor, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Shaun Weeks, who was working near Heritage House, told BBC Wiltshire he felt Heritage House was a "bit of an eyesore."

He added: "The only issue with all HMOs is parking. Everyone that lives here is probably going to have a car so you've got 19 more cars that have to go somewhere.

"But I guess people have got to live somewhere."

Paul Healey, who lives nearby, said he was glad something was being done and added": The building is not very nice, it looks a bit rough from the outside."

He agreed with Weeks and added: "People have got to live somewhere."

One woman who lived in a neighbouring property, who preferred not to be named, said: "It's nice they're doing something with it."

Although under the local council's policy, there is no requirement for parking spaces to go with the development, the application says there will be six provided along with secure cycle parking.

A decision on the HMO plans is expected by early June.

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