Scores of objections to HMO plan on Station Avenue
Scores of residents have objected to a proposed House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) on Station Avenue in Bridlington.
An application for the change of use from a dwelling (C3) to nine bedroom HMO at Briarwood, 12 Station Avenue, has been submitted to East Riding of Yorkshire Council planners.
The proposal has sparked both concern and anger from residents with objections including: Overdevelopment and overcrowding; lack of provision for parking; loss of amenity to neighbours; waste management issues; possible anti-social behaviour risks; the proximity to a care home; and extra traffic congestion.
The views of the residents have also been echoed by Bridlington Town Council and Bridlington Civic Society.
The town council has recommended that the proposal be refused.
It’s statement said: “This type of shared facility HMO fails to enhance the neighbourhood in any way.”
Bridlington Civic Society added: “We strongly object to the poor accommodation provided by this conversion. The shared cooking facilities and the one very small shared living space are totally inadequate for the number of persons assumed to live in the conversion.
“The overall impression is of one of a confused and poorly thought-out plan.
“For those who are old enough to remember this conversion is too reminiscent of the emergency conversion to HMOs from decades ago. It is a timely reminder of the problems of such poor facilities when similar properties were urgently required for the expansion of further and higher education students.
“This poor standard of accommodation is no longer acceptable.”
A planning statement prepared by Arc and Estates, on behalf of the proposal, said: “The proposal seeks to provide high quality shared accommodation through the reconfiguration of the existing internal layout to create nine bedrooms, each with private en-suite facilities, supported by appropriate communal space for future occupants.
“The proposal primarily involves internal alterations to the existing building, together with minor external works, including the provision of a secure cycle storage area within the rear garden.
“The proposal will not result in an over concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation within the surrounding area. A review of the immediate street indicates that there are no known planning permissions for HMOs on Station Avenue.
“The proposal, therefore, represents a modest addition of shared accommodation within a predominantly residential area and will not undermine the balance of housing types within the neighbourhood.”
Go to the ERYC planning portal and search for 26/00597/PLF to find out more about the application.