Holiday let denied after prostitution complaints
LDRSPlans to turn a three-bedroom home into a holiday let have been denied after concerns were raised over drug use and prostitution.
Six objections were submitted to Stockton Council over the proposals to change the use of the semi-detached house in Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, into a short-term holiday rental.
Residents have complained over safety, increased noise from the property and possible prostitution, with one objector saying "it would appear that we've had a 'lady of the night' entertaining several men".
Cleveland Police confirmed a "number of incidents" had been reported.
Objectors also spoke of concerns over parking and traffic issues, management and maintenance, anti-social behaviour and property values.
The applicant told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they dispute the claims made by objectors, maintaining only one incident came to police attention.
'Truly worrying'
Objectors' referred to "dodgy" people staying at the property and "unsavoury comings and goings", as well as "people hanging out of the upstairs window, smoking cannabis and shouting abuse at passers by" and "police swarming the street".
Some of these complaints – which are believed to be disputed – involved suspected sex work and drugs, and police activity including a chase through gardens.
One objector added: "Given that there are families with young children and vulnerable adults on this street, it is truly worrying that there appears to be no control over who is staying at this property, and some of them have been very dodgy indeed.
"To be clear, there have been some genuinely nice folk stay there but that's the exception, not the rule."
A management plan for serviced accommodation was submitted to the council.
Planning officers found the development was acceptable in principle, but refused it to guard against harm to the character of the area.
The applicant said they still own the property which is currently unoccupied and no longer used as a holiday let.