Council approves plans for flat conversion

Kingswood House in Northampton will be converted into five flats with shared communal areas

Plans to convert an office building into flats for 23 people have been approved by a council.

The proposal will see Kingswood House in Cliftonville, Northampton, turned into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The office building was previously home to an insurance firm, a fertility clinic, and a laser eye surgery provider.

West Northamptonshire Council issued an approval notice for the plans on Tuesday.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the development will split into five shared flats, each with between three and eight ensuite bedrooms and communal living spaces.

Plans include a four-bedroom flat on the lower ground floor, two three-bedroom flats on the ground floor, an eight-bedroom flat on the first floor, and a five-bedroom flat on the second floor.

Two laundry rooms will serve the whole property.

Most of the changes will be made internally, with minimal alterations to the outside of the building.

Fifteen parking spaces will be available on site.

The first floor has already been stripped back, with all services removed.

Council policy says HMOs are "vital" for Northampton's housing supply, offering short to medium-term accommodation for students, young professionals, disadvantaged groups, and international migrants.