Sunderland councillors defer plans for HMO due to fears raised by residents
Plans to turn a Sunderland house into a six-bedroom HMO have been put on hold amid concerns over parking, antisocial behaviour and how the property would be managed.
Plans to turn a Sunderland house into a six-bedroom HMO have been put on hold amid concerns over parking, antisocial behaviour and how the property would be managed.
Councillors deferred a decision on the proposed conversion of 29 Cleveland Road after hearing objections from residents worried about the impact of another house in multiple occupation in the area.
The move came despite Sunderland City Council planning officers recommending approval of the scheme, which would include six en-suite bedrooms and an extension to provide additional communal living space.
Developers said the HMO would be effectively managed, with prospective tenants subject to referencing, credit checks and interviews, and each bedroom being “strictly for single occupancy”.
They added young professionals were increasingly choosing to live in HMOs with fixed rental costs and it was argued that the Cleveland Road site was near public transport and shops, “making car-free living both convenient and practical.”
However, there were more than 10 public objections to the plan, raising concerns about the high concentration of existing HMOs in the area, increased noise and antisocial behaviour and the “inadequate” parking provided.
A representation submitted on behalf of the Barnes and Humbledon Residents’ Association also raised concerns about antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping and parking issues, noting the plans would “make the area less safe for pedestrians.”
The plans were presented for decision on Monday, October 19, with council officers recommending approval.
Representatives for the applicant said the plan would provide a home for six working people and argued there was a need for HMO accommodation for hospital staff, university staff and other young professionals.
They added that the property was already a six-bedroom house and that the HMO would be a licensed and professionally-managed home with a local family behind it.
Meanwhile, council officers said the applicant had submitted a management plan and noted the development was in a community parking management scheme area.
However, the arguments were not enough to convince the planning and highways committee, which agreed to defer making a decision on the plans.
This aimed to give officers more time to review highways concerns and to look again at management arrangements for the HMO.
Due to upcoming changes in national planning rules, council officers advised that the HMO plan would not come back to the planning and highways committee for decision.
Instead, the HMO plan is expected to be determined by council planning officers under delegated powers.
Find out about the community matters that affect you on the Public Notice Portal. Go tohttps://publicnoticeportal.uk/ and enter your postcode to find out what is going on in your area.