Plans for six-bedroom HMO in Sunderland face rejection

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Sunderland City Council planning officers have recommended rejecting proposals for a six-bedroom HMO in Roker Avenue.

Sunderland City Council planning officers have recommended that councillors reject proposals to convert floors above MH Market shop at 173 Roker Avenue into a six-bedroom HMO. The council states the scheme would be "unacceptable in principle, as it would be harmful to the character and amenities of the area due to the existing high concentration of HMOs within 100m radius of the site". If approved, there would be eight HMOs within 100 metres of the building.

The application has attracted 13 public objections. Concerns raised include the overconcentration of HMOs in the area, insufficient parking provision, noise, privacy implications and antisocial behaviour. Roker's three ward councillors also submitted representations, with Councillor Andrew Ramsey referring the proposal to the planning and highways committee for determination.

The applicant, Halo's Luxury Homes & Architecture Vision Ltd, stated the professionally-managed HMO would "meet the needs of people who require flexible housing close to employment and education". Work on refurbishing the property has already commenced but remained incomplete at the time of the application. The applicants claimed the refurbishment had transformed the "neglected building" into a "safe, attractive and energy-efficient building capable of meeting current housing needs", with plans for six en-suite bedrooms and shared kitchen and lounge areas on the ground floor.

How it is being reported

• Plans for controversial Sunderland HMO could be refused due to community concernsThere are already a large number of HMOs nearby and if these plans went ahead it would result in eight HMOs within 100m of itChronicleLive · 19 Oct, 16:04
• Plans for new HMO in Sunderland's Roker Avenue face refusalPlans for a controversial six-bedroom HMO in Roker face rejection over fears it would be “harmful to the character of the area”.Sunderland Echo · 19 Oct, 15:44

In this story: Sunderland City Council · Roker Avenue · Roker · Andrew Ramsey · Halo's Luxury Homes & Architecture Vision Ltd

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