Plans to turn property into nine-bed HMO rejected

Plans to turn a residential property into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) for nine people have been rejected.

More than 200 people signed a petition against proposals to convert the house in Hawthorne Grove, Oswestry.

Residents had raised objections against the scheme due to fears over public safety and a "lack of parking" in the area.

Planning officers at Shropshire Council turned down the plans on Tuesday, stating it would result in "over-intensification of the site which is in an area consisting of traditional family dwellings".

The council had also received 27 written objections to the scheme, with one letter of support adding it would provide more affordable accommodation for young, single people in Oswestry.

Planning officers agreed it would provide low-cost housing for couples and single persons "within a sustainable location".

However they conclued the proposal would "unacceptably impact upon the amenity for both proposed occupants and existing neighbouring residents".

"The introduction of an HMO in this location is likely to result in increased noise and disturbance, adversely affecting the residential amenity of neighbouring properties," planners added in their assessment.

"Whilst these activities would still occur in and around a house occupied as a family dwelling it would be to a lesser extent and commensurate with the housing estate setting."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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