PLANS to turn an office into a house for young professionals have been rejected due to the lack of toilets.

Co-Living Capital had applied to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, to turn Ridgeway House in Didcot into a home for seven people.  

However the proposed house in Hagbourne Road would only have two bathrooms which councillors described as “gross”.

Herald Series: Co-Living Capital applied to change the use of the building from offices to a HMO.Co-Living Capital applied to change the use of the building from offices to a HMO.

Councillor Peter Dragonetti, at a planning on meeting on Wednesday (6), said: “There are double beds in each room so we’re looking at a maximum of 14 people with only two bathrooms which is a bit gross.”

Four councillors voted against the application including councillor Ken Arlett who described the house as having “squatty little rooms”. He added: “It’s just not right. We shouldn’t let people live like that.

Councillors were also concerned about the lack of garden space. Councillor Victoria Haval said: “I think that this site is suitable for an HMO, it’s got a lot of things going for it, but I do feel like it would be a small HMO.

“The fact the amenity space at the back is so small. We’ve got some other HMOs with bigger gardens and ensuite bathrooms and larger occupancy. The lack of bathrooms and no sinks in the room means it shouldn’t be given permission to be an HMO.”