Extension application at DH Lawrence’s former Eastwood home refused

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
An Eastwood house where renowned writer DH Lawrence once lived has been refused permission for an extension.

The home on Lynncroft could have become a six-bedroom house of multiple occupancy (HMO) but Broxtowe Council’s planning committee feared there wouldn’t be enough parking.

Applicant Nabeel Ahmed had sought permission for a side and rear extension of the ground floor.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Council officers recommended the changes to the famous author’s former home were approved after being deferred from a previous meeting.

Councillors have turned down plans to extend a former home of DH Lawrence to make it an HMO. Photo: GoogleCouncillors have turned down plans to extend a former home of DH Lawrence to make it an HMO. Photo: Google
Councillors have turned down plans to extend a former home of DH Lawrence to make it an HMO. Photo: Google

However the planning committee found the parking situation too problematic.

Coun Robert Bullock (Lab), who represents Eastwood at the authority, said: “This is the worst road in Eastwood for parking.

“This property is close to a pinch point where vehicles often have to stop and reverse.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It would make the situation even worse if there are six extra cars there.”

Read More
Eastwood woman ‘only wishes she’d started her fostering journey sooner’

Coun David Watts (Lib Dem), who represents Bramcote, agreed, saying: “My concerns from the previous meeting still haven’t been addressed.

“It’s about time this committee exercised backbone and didn’t approve things we aren’t happy with.”

The property is being put on the local interest building list on the recommendation of Historic England due to its connection with the author.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The celebrated Eastwood writer spent some of his early years at the house, before becoming known for novels such as Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

However, Nuthall East and Strelley member Coun Philip Owen (Con) – who wasn’t part of the committee – called the building ‘a dump’ and said the HMO plan would ultimately happen.

He told the meeting: “Whatever you decide, it will become a HMO – the issue of cars isn’t in our control.

“Why should it be listed?

"DH Lawrence lived in most homes in Eastwood before he cleared off abroad because he couldn’t stand the place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Any changes would be an improvement visually – it’s a dump at the moment, and wants something doing.”

The application was refused due to the intensification of use, but Coun Owen predicted the council would lose an appeal.

Lawrence’s birthplace, just over a mile away in Victoria Street, is now a museum to celebrate his life and work, with guided tours.

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1952
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice