The unpermitted conversion of a dentist’s surgery into a house of multiple occupation in Swindon might have to be undone, a more than a decade later.

That's if Swindon councillors decide not to give the owners retrospective planning consent this month.

An application has been lodged by real estate company SCH UK Ltd, based in Royal Wotton Bassett, to regularise the use of 58 Tryon Close in Liden in south Swindon as a seven-bedroom HMO.

That is a revision from the original application which asked for permission to use the property as an eight-bedroom house for eight residents.

The house has been used as an HMO for seven residents since 2014, with three single, en suite bedrooms on the ground floor which also has a communal kitchen and dining/living area. On the second floor there are two en suite rooms and two rooms without such facilities but with a lavatory and shower room and larger bathroom available.

But the conversion from a dental surgery was refused twice when applications were made in 2013.

And while no neighbours have objected, Nythe, Eldene and Liden Parish Council has.

It told Swindon Borough Council planners: “Our objection centres around the level of parking provision in an area which already has limited public space.

"Since the application seeks to provide only four spaces this can only lead to increased pressure on local space and we believe that it should therefore be turned down, or, at the very least, brought before the full planning committee.”

The request to see the application ‘called in’ to be discussed by councillors on the borough council’s planning committee will come to pass, as the planning officers report recommends approval.

It confirms that the property is licensed as an HMO by the council’s environmental health team, and notes that one of the en suite lavatory and shower rooms is not present yet shown on plans.

But is adds: “The dental surgery has not been in operation for approximately 10/11 years and as such the loss of such a facility would not have any impact upon the merits of the current application.

“The property exceeds the internal space standards set out in the 2008 HMO guidance; there is space for four cars to park off street which accords with the parking standards and there are 7 weather-proof secure bicycle parking spaces accessible via a side gate.

“As such Environmental Health/Housing and Highways raise no objection to the scheme. The use of the property as an 7 bed/7 person HMO has not had an impact on the character and appearance of the area or on the amenities of surrounding properties.”

The planning committee will meet at 6pm on Tuesday, June 11.