A plan to transform an empty hotel into an eight-bed shared house has been refused due to air quality concerns, among other issues.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) Planning committee rejected the plans on Wednesday (June 3)  for the former Bridge Lodge hotel, at 154 Caversham Road.

Concerns were raised over the impact the house in multiple occupation (HMO) would have on air quality and noise, whether adding another HMO would imbalance the area and whether space would be sufficient for future occupants.

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Councillor Tony Page, lead member for Planning, criticised the fact noise and air quality assessments were not submitted in one of the worst areas for air quality in Reading.

Fellow Labour councillor Ayo Sokale added that the transformation would “further exacerbate” air quality issues and “there could be long term chronic health issues” and added that there is “no consideration for green spaces” in the plan.

The developer originally applied for a nine-bed HMO with a single-storey extension, but this was changed to eight beds and no extension following discussions with council planners.

Cllr Karen Rowland, lead member for Heritage, said another HMO “will be the tipping point” in the area.

The “tipping point” of 25 per cent has already been breached in the area according to the council’s planning policies, with seven out of 24 properties within 50m of the vacant lodge already HMOs.

READ MORE: ‘Fabulous' Edwardian house saved again Cllr Rowland added that the plans also provide no place for residents to sit down and relax inside.

However, the case officer said he felt the application was acceptable in principle and said all rooms would comply with the guidance and are a good size, with space available for a sofa and TV.

Adding to the criticism, Conservative councillor Jane Stanford-Beale said she often goes past the “very busy” road and feels the site is not appropriate for an HMO.

The plan was rejected unaninmously.

Another HMO for a huge 18-bed shared house is set to be considered at a future meeting.