Fears that Hartlepool HMO plan would be 'a magnet for anti-social behaviour'

Concerns have been raised over plans for an eight-person house in multiple occupation.
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To date more than 35 objections have been received by Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning department over proposals to convert 96 Elwick Road, in Hartlepool, into an eight bedroom HMO

HMOs refer to properties such as a house split into separate bedsits, a shared house/flat or a hostel.

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The plans from Ian McGregor-Paterson state the three-storey house is currently vacant and would be brought back into use to help “diversify the housing offer” in the area.

96 Elwick Road, Hartlepool, could become a house in multiple occupation.96 Elwick Road, Hartlepool, could become a house in multiple occupation.
96 Elwick Road, Hartlepool, could become a house in multiple occupation.

However concerns have been raised by residents in the area over the proposals potentially leading to an increase in anti-social behaviour, nuisance, noise and parking issues.

He said: "Residents and I are rightly concerned that this application, if granted, will do material damage to the community.

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"Such properties are, sadly, a magnet for anti-social behaviour and have many associated problems, particularly if they are poorly managed.

Hartlepool borough councillor Jonathan Brash has opposed the plan.Hartlepool borough councillor Jonathan Brash has opposed the plan.
Hartlepool borough councillor Jonathan Brash has opposed the plan.

"This area already suffers significant parking and other associated traffic problems and an HMO will significantly exacerbate these."

However a design and access statement from Hedley Planning Services, on behalf of the applicant, states the proposal will improve the housing supply in the area.

It said: "We consider the proposed conversion to a HMO will make a significant contribution to meeting the housing needs of the borough and diversify the housing offer at this location."

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"The provision of new HMO development in this location will provide an important contribution to the local housing market, ensuring an adequate supply of housing which is affordable to local residents providing an alternate low-cost housing offer."

All eight of the proposed bedrooms will have their own accompanying bathroom, six of which will be en-suite, and two using bathrooms on the first floor

There would also be a communal area and kitchen on the ground floor.

Proposals include a dropped kerb to provide two new car parking spaces to the front of the property, along with a gate to provide security.

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Plans also note there is the allowance for on-street parking on the south side opposite.

A decision is expected to be made on the proposals next month.

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