Concerns HMO will 'impact character' of Jarrow sees plans thrown out
South Tyneside HMO plans rejected after petition objects to development.
Plans for a new five bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Jarrow have been unanimously refused following objections from residents - including a 140-signature petition.
Proposals had been submitted to South Tyneside Council planning department to transform the vacant three bedroom property at 88 Albert Road.
The application, from William Rowe at South Point Properties Ltd, sought to turn the site into a five bedroom HMO housing up to five occupants.
The development would have featured four ensuite rooms and a fifth room with an "off-suite" bathroom adjacent to it, along with a shared kitchen/dining area.
Online petition gets nearly 150 signatures
However 18 objections from residents were lodged to the council over the scheme along with an online petition featuring 142 signatures.
Concerns were raised around parking issues, increased traffic, potential crime and anti-social behaviour, increased noise and the impact the proposal would have on the character of the street and community cohesion.
The application went before the latest meeting of the local authority's planning committee on Tuesday, May 26, for a decision, with a report from council officers recommending the scheme was approved.
However councillors voted to unanimously reject the application due to concerns they had around development.
Concerns around the ‘impact on character of the area’
Councillor Shirley Ford, who sits on the planning committee, said: "The overriding concern for me is around the impact on the character of the area and the impact on residential amenity of existing residents.
"Particularly given that there are vulnerable residents, elderly residents, living in bungalows which look to be within 50 metres of this property."
The report from council planning officers had argued approving the scheme would have contributed to "reducing the current shortfall in terms of housing supply and providing a form of affordable accommodation" to meet an "identified housing need".
It said: "Overall, in this instance there are no identified adverse impacts arising from the proposal that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the development."
A planning statement in support of the scheme had argued it would have been "professionally designed and managed" and provide "high-quality accommodation that supports local housing needs".
It added: "We pride ourselves in producing high quality co-living spaces which are ‘aimed’ at young working professionals.
"Ensuring the occupants are of a high quality is as important to us as our neighbours."
The application follows a decision from the council's previous Labour cabinet to launch an "immediate" borough-wide Article 4 Discretion removing permitted development rights for small HMOs, meaning planning permission is now needed for all HMOs in the borough.