Concerns over bedsit plan for terraced house
CONCERNS have been raised over plans to convert a small terraced house into a much bigger ‘house in multiple occupation’.
Proposals for the property, in Aberdeen Crescent, Edgeley, would see the three-bedroom property transformed into eight bedsits, with a shared kitchen, dining room and lounge.
The scheme – submitted by SJS Development – includes a three-storey rear extension, a roof dormer and extensive alterations to the internal layout of the house.
More than 42 comments have been lodged with the council in respect of the plans, and residents have taken to social media to air their views.
Max Hutchinson, who lives nearby in Aberdeen Crescent, questioned where the eight new occupants would park given that ‘parking is bad enough’ already.
And he also outlined a number of other concerns.
He added: “These plans involve extending into the garden, my neighbours will have their space, light and views taken by the three-storey extension to the rear. This isn’t fair on people who have lived in and enjoyed the area for so long.”
“House prices in the area have already increased massively, further developments like this would only drive these even higher, making it more difficult for young families to buy or even rent a three-bedroom home in the area.”
He also voiced concerns that the plans would ‘render the property unsuitable for use as a family home in the future’ as it would simply be too big for the area.
Ward councillor Sheila Bailey did not wish to comment on the specific application.
But she said the increase in HMOs had become a worry.
She said: “In general I am concerned about the increasing number of applications for HMOs and also the conversion on properties for multiple occupation that don’t require planning permission – because they have five bedrooms or less.
“The legislation regarding this needs to be changed because the consequence of this process taking place is that houses that become vacant are being snapped up by developers and the number of properties that are available – for example, for first-time buyers et cetera – will consequently reduce.
“There is an issue here that needs to be dealt with.”
Coun Bailey said local councillors were working with town hall officers in a bid to exercise ‘more control’ over the development of HMOs.
She continued: “Certainly in residential areas the needs of existing residents have to be taken into consideration far more than they are at the moment.
“It can change the nature of a community and that really is not in anybody’s interests. Its is not good for local communities and local residents.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has not been able to contact SJS Developments.