South Shields 'double' HMO bid kicked out as MP wades into criticism
Emma Lewell MP was one of those who expressed concern at South Shields HMO plans.
Plans to provide two separate houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) at a South Shields property featuring a combined eight bedrooms have been refused following concerns from residents.
Proposals had been submitted to South Tyneside Council planning department to convert 7 Armstrong Terrace, a ground floor flat, into a three bedroom HMO housing no more than three occupants.
Similarly an application had been lodged to transform 1 Pembroke Terrace, which occupies the first floor of the same building, into a five bedroom HMO for no more than five residents.
All of the bedrooms would have had ensuites, while there would also have been shared kitchen/dining areas in each HMO.
Both applications were submitted by Neirbos One Ltd and went before the latest meeting of the council's planning committee.
Public object to two South Shields HMO plans
A total of 44 objections were lodged by residents over the Armstrong Terrace proposals, while 37 were submitted over the Pembroke Terrace application.
Concerns were raised over parking and highway matters, safety, noise issues, the cumulative impact of HMOs in the area and the impact the schemes would have on the character of the community and housing stock.
Former and current ward councillors also raised worries over the scheme, along with South Shields MP Emma Lewell.
‘Residents are concerned’
In her response, she said: "Residents are concerned about a saturation of HMOs in the area.
"Parking is already an issue in the street and both HMO planning applications combined could lead to a further eight residents in the street causing significant issues with parking."
Councillors on the committee ultimately voted to refuse both applications due to concerns around the impact they would have on the character of the area and residential amenity, along with parking issues and increased activity at the property.
Reports from council planning officers had recommended both applications were approved - noting they would bring a currently vacant building back into use.
They 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.
"The proposal would provide social and economic gains by contributing to reducing the current shortfall in terms of housing supply and providing a form of affordable accommodation that meets an identified housing need."
Planning statements in support of both schemes outlined how they intended "to deliver high-quality shared accommodation aimed at working professionals and key workers".
They added this would help respond to the "demand for well-located, professionally managed accommodation within South Shields".
The applications follow 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.