Former funeral director’s office would be Airbnb rather than bedsits councillors told

A FORMER funeral director’s building could be used as holiday let accommodation rather than traditional bedsits it has been claimed. 

Councillors approved a change of use planning application for the former Robert Howell & Son Funeral Directors property on Newport Road, Caldicot which some neighbours had objected to and concerns also raised by town councillors. 

Monmouthshire County Council’s head of planning, Amy Longford, told its planning committee the town council’s concerns echoed those of residents regarding a loss of retail space and the amount of Houses of Multiple Occupation, known as HMOs, in the area. 

Ms Longford said the council has no specific policy controlling the number of HMOs but said overall the number in Caldicot is “relatively low”. She also said as the property, which is part of three building terrace with a Chinese takeaway and a bicycle shop, is outside of the main shopping area policies to protect commercial premises don’t apply. 

Concerns were raised about parking but Ms Longford said there was no objection from the highways department with two spaces at the front retained and a further two at the back, though she acknowledged access to those is “tight”. 

Highways said it was in a “sustainable location” close to the town centre and parking on Newport Road is restricted and generally lower car ownership associated with HMOs but it could relax the parking standards it would apply to flats.

The former funeral director’s on the ground floor will be converted to three bedrooms and a kitchen, dining area and utility room with the existing first floor three bedroom flat adapted to provide as many bedrooms. Ms Longford said all six rooms would have ensuite bathrooms. 

Caldicot Dewstow councillor Tony Easson said the application, by a Mr J Bishop, had “caused some concerns to local residents” around parking and potential anti-social behaviour and as it is opoosite the Measure Inn pub. 

But the Labour councillor added: “This is perhaps not a HMO as people are expecting it to be. I understand from one objector who’s spoken to the developer it will be an Airbnb type thing which might put another question on the car parking if there’s going to be six business people there. 

“I think we need to move forward and it will bring hopefully some business to the town.” 

The councillor said a “careful watch” should be kept on car parking and suggested the issue could perhaps come back to the commitee. 

Independent councillor Wyesham Emma Bryn said she was disappointed there was no landscaping proposed for the front of the property so it would “look less like a business” and also questioned if residents will have anywhere outside to dry their laundry, with a small lawn at the back to be maintained. 

The committee approved the application though two members voted against allowing the change of use.