AN EASTCOTT councillor who spoke out against two recent planning applications in his ward has welcomed a decision to turn one down.

Labour's Paul Dixon accused developers of being greedy and trying to squeeze residents with the installation of HMOs and apartment buildings ill-suited to the already densely populated area.

One particularly contentious application sought to convert the former Stanwells shop and flat at 57 Eastcott Road into a house of multiple occupation. Permission has now been refused.

Planning officers ruled that the additional activity associated with the intensification of use would have had an unacceptable impact upon nearby residential properties.

The proposal failed to provide acceptable cycle or waste provision and officers decided it would have had an adverse impact upon local highway conditions.

"This is great news and I congratulate the planning department for taking a strong approach on this application," said Coun Dixon. "The applicant failed to demonstrate where their future tenants would park as the property would only qualify for a maximum of two parking permits and there is already high demand for parking in that area.

"The application was also massively overstretching the capacity of this property. To cram so many people in to such a small space was not appropriate, nor fair to neighbours.

"If the property owner in the future wishes to convert the property into a home more in keeping and consistent with the local area I think this would be popular amongst local residents.

"Nobody wants empty properties in their area. However squeezing as much money out of properties as possible and disregarding the impact this will have on neighbours will not be acceptable to the local community."