Plans for new HMO in Sunderland's Roker Avenue are refused

Plans for a controversial six-bedroom HMO have been thrown out over concerns it would lead to an “overconcentration” of multiple-occupation properties.

Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee has blocked proposals to convert floors above the MH Market shop, at 173 Roker Avenue, Sunderland, into a house in multiple occupation.

Plans have been rejected for a new six-bedroom HMO above a shop at 173 Roker Avenue. Picture by LDRS.

placeholder image — Plans have been rejected for a new six-bedroom HMO above a shop at 173 Roker Avenue. Picture by LDRS.

A council report said the new HMO, if approved, would have led to eight HMOs within 100 metres of the site.

Planning officers argued the scheme would be “unacceptable in principle” in planning policy terms as it “would be harmful to the character and amenities of the area due to the existing high concentration of HMOs within 100m radius of the site”.

The application attracted 13 public objections raising concerns about the overconcentration of HMOs locally, lack of parking, noise and privacy impacts and antisocial behaviour.

There were also representations from Roker’s three ward councillors with councillor Andrew Ramsey calling the HMO plan into the planning and highways committee for a final decision.

The HMO was expected to provide five double rooms and one single room, allowing a maximum of 11 occupants.

Planning documents said work had already started on the property but had not been completed, with plans providing for six en-suite bedrooms and using part of the ground floor as a kitchen and lounge space.

A planning statement from Halo’s Luxury Homes & Architecture Vision said the professionally-managed HMO would “meet the needs of people who require flexible housing close to employment and education”.

Applicants added refurbishment works had transformed the “neglected building” into a “safe, attractive and energy-efficient building” and said a structured management regime would help “minimise disturbance”.

Although council officers raised no issues with room sizes and highway and pedestrian safety, they said the HMO plan would be “harmful to the character of the area”.

The applicant appealed for councillors to consider the community benefits of the scheme and improvements to the building.

However, the arguments were not enough to convince the planning and highways committee, which voted unanimously to reject the scheme at its latest meeting.

Halo’s Luxury Homes & Architecture Vision has the right of appeal.