Fears that Hartlepool HMO plan would be 'a magnet for anti-social behaviour'
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To date more than 35 objections have been received by Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning department over proposals to convert 96 Elwick Road, in Hartlepool, into an eight bedroom HMO
HMOs refer to properties such as a house split into separate bedsits, a shared house/flat or a hostel.
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Hide AdThe plans from Ian McGregor-Paterson state the three-storey house is currently vacant and would be brought back into use to help “diversify the housing offer” in the area.
However concerns have been raised by residents in the area over the proposals potentially leading to an increase in anti-social behaviour, nuisance, noise and parking issues.
Labour councillor Jonathan Brash, who was recently elected in the Burn Valley ward at the local elections, also objected to the plans.
He said: "Residents and I are rightly concerned that this application, if granted, will do material damage to the community.
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Hide Ad"Such properties are, sadly, a magnet for anti-social behaviour and have many associated problems, particularly if they are poorly managed.
"This area already suffers significant parking and other associated traffic problems and an HMO will significantly exacerbate these."
However a design and access statement from Hedley Planning Services, on behalf of the applicant, states the proposal will improve the housing supply in the area.
It said: "We consider the proposed conversion to a HMO will make a significant contribution to meeting the housing needs of the borough and diversify the housing offer at this location."
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Hide Ad"The provision of new HMO development in this location will provide an important contribution to the local housing market, ensuring an adequate supply of housing which is affordable to local residents providing an alternate low-cost housing offer."
All eight of the proposed bedrooms will have their own accompanying bathroom, six of which will be en-suite, and two using bathrooms on the first floor
There would also be a communal area and kitchen on the ground floor.
Proposals include a dropped kerb to provide two new car parking spaces to the front of the property, along with a gate to provide security.
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Hide AdPlans also note there is the allowance for on-street parking on the south side opposite.
A decision is expected to be made on the proposals next month.