Converting two Watford homes into a HMO and separate flats has been shot down over “cramped conditions”.

Permission to convert the garage at 37 Holywell Road, West Watford, and build an extension above and behind it was granted in April before the applicant entered a further plan to divide both it and the neighbouring property up in July.

Number 37 would have become two four-bedroom flats under the plan while number 39 would have been turned into an eight-bedroom HMO (house of multiple occupancy).

Today (September 9) Watford Borough Council refused permission, citing multiple reasons. It said that the flats would be “cramped” and the HMO would lack privacy, light, and outlook with low ceiling heights.

Officers added that suitable parking and refuse arrangements had not been made.

The flats were proposed with a shared front door, which would lead to a hallway splitting off into two separate entrances. Each would have a kitchen, living room, and dining room on the ground floor, with one also having a ground floor bedroom.

At number 39, the proposed HMO included three ground floor bedrooms, three on the first floor, and two at loft level.

You Architecture, which submitted the plans, has been contacted for comment.