HMO approved despite almost 200 objections

Plans to turn a family home into a seven-person house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been approved despite nearly 200 objections.

Proposals to convert the property on The Drive in Abington, Northampton, were passed by West Northamptonshire Council at a committee meeting last week.

The applicant, Kim Opszala, originally submitted plans to use the property as a 10-person HMO but it was reduced to seven occupants following negotiations with the Reform UK-controlled authority.

Zoe Smith, Labour councillor for the Abington and Phippsville ward, who opposed the plans, said "seven unrelated adults is very noticeable different from a three-bedroom family home."

She said: "I think it is the sheer overdevelopment that is one of the greatest concerns with this application."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Smith was among 190 residents, along with Northampton Town Council, who objected to the plans which will also see a single-storey side and rear extension added to the house.

Andrew Morrison, who said he lived near the site, asked members to turn down the plans and described how his "heart dropped" upon learning about the scheme.

"[The developers] are not interested in providing quality housing but just how many people they can get into a house and how much rent it will deliver," he said.

A lack of parking provision was also cited by those who objected to the plans.

In response to concerns, applicant Kim Opszala said they acknowledged the number of objections but "respectfully point out that this does not represent the full picture".

They added: "This is a well-considered, policy-compliant HMO application that meets local housing needs, particularly for young professionals and students where shared housing is the only option.

"We're going over and above to make it a nice environment for the tenants."

Committee members followed council officers' recommendation in approving the plans.

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