PLANS to increase the number of people allowed to live in a Winchester home have been thrown out after criticism from a number of council officers.

The proposal, for 44 Fromond Road, Weeke, sought to increase the existing HMO (house of multiple occupation) from six to eight bedrooms.

Applicant Julian Bessey said in the plans the building would not need to be physically extended.

However, the move attracted criticism from the City of Winchester Trust. A spokesman said in an objection: “Details regarding the necessary utilities and facilities required for such an extension are... lacking.

“This application also appears to propose an extreme intensification of use for a small dwelling.”

Winchester City Council environmental health officer Sara Hayes-Arter also criticised the plans for “what would have originally been a three-bedroomed house”. She said: “I recommend that this application be refused at this time.

“As the property is a terrace, there is the potential that additional tenants will create additional noise disturbance to properties on either side of this application.”

Kevin Reed, private sector housing team leader at the council, added: “This submitted application proposes to create a bedroom... to the rear of the current lounge/ dining area and the creation of a new living area incorporating the current inner room. The creation of bedroom five will cause the new living room to be an inner room devoid of natural ventilation and light.”