Rushden chapel becomes nine-room HMO

Residents worry the nine-room HMO will worsen parking and strain local infrastructure despite planners approving the plan.

Rushden chapel becomes nine-room HMO amid parking tensions

Rushden planners granted permission to convert a former chapel on Investment Street into a nine-room house in multiple occupancy. The planning committee voted 11 to 1 to approve the change, subject to conditions, including alterations to the kerb to reduce on-site parking. The NNC Highways Authority described the scheme as a car-free development and said surrounding streets have enough capacity for any extra cars based on surveys.

Supporters say the project meets a growing need for affordable and flexible housing. Oliver McLoughlin, managing director of Investment Street, told the committee that the plan would allow people to live in comfort without overstretching financially. Opponents, including neighbour Peter Brady, warned the proposal would be an overdevelopment and would significantly strain the quality of life for existing residents. The council noted the car-free claim while acknowledging local concerns about safety, infrastructure and neighbour amenity.

The decision frames housing needs against the realities of street life in a small town. Planners face a balancing act between providing affordable options and protecting calm, safe streets. The claim of a car-free development will be tested by actual parking patterns and traffic, not just surveys. This case could signal how Rushden handles future conversions of historic buildings into high-density housing.

Critics say this move could set a precedent for similar projects that push density without clear public benefits. The market will watch whether safeguards translate into real improvements for neighbours or simply financial gains for developers and investors.

Highlights

Rushden will see if this balance between housing needs and street life holds up in practice.