Bid for 11-bedroom Sunderland HMO refused at appeal in 'victory for common sense'

Plans to convert a former care facility into "co-living" accommodation have been dismissed at appeal by a Government planning inspector.

The National Planning Inspectorate has thrown out an appeal against Sunderland City Council’s refusal of a proposed 11-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Godfrey Road, Grindon.

The 'eyesore' building in Godfrey Road, Sunderland, had been slated to become an 11-bedroom HMO. Plans were initially rejected by Sunderland City Council, with the government's planning watchdog backing up the decision at appeal.

placeholder image — The 'eyesore' building in Godfrey Road, Sunderland, had been slated to become an 11-bedroom HMO. Plans were initially rejected by Sunderland City Council, with the government's planning watchdog backing up the decision at appeal.

The plans, which aimed to convert the property into living space for young professionals, sparked strong opposition, with 40 objections submitted and a petition signed by 470 people.

Concerns referenced potential for increased noise, antisocial behaviour, traffic and waste, as well as the wider impact on neighbours.

Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen O'Brien.

But 20 letters of support were also submitted backing plans to bring the “eyesore” building back into use.

Councillor Stephen O’Brien, who represents the city’s Grindon and Thorney Close ward, said the ruling was a “victory for common sense and for the people living nearby”.

He added: “Local people deserve to enjoy peace and quiet in their own homes. This proposal was simply unsuitable for this location.

“I’m delighted for the residents who fought this from start to finish. They stood their ground, refused to give up and have been proved right.”

Applicant Metters Properties, an accredited landlord with the council, agreed to the HMO being single occupancy per room and said an antisocial behaviour complaints policy would be put in place.

Although the HMO plans were recommended for approval by council planners at a meeting on in June, councillors voted to refuse the scheme, citing the number of HMO occupiers, which they said were “likely to contribute to significant incidences of noise and disturbance”.

A representative for the applicant, which called itself “born and bred in Grindon”, claimed the HMO proposal was the most feasible option for the site’s future.

An appeal was later lodged, but on October 30, the planning inspector dismissed this, arguing while it would be an “effective use” of the unused building, the area was “not suited to the introduction of such a large single HMO”.

This included concerns of “an unacceptable increase in noise and disturbance, particularly during more unsociable hours”, even when allowing for a “more restrictive management plan”.

A statement on Reform UK Sunderland’s Facebook page also described the appeal ruling as “another victory for Sunderland residents” and said the party would continue “standing firm against inappropriate developments.”