"High standard" - South Tyneside Council considers plans for new HMO near Metro station
Development would provide accommodation for "up to four unrelated professional occupants".
A new HMO could be created in South Tyneside under plans submitted to borough development bosses.
The application to the borough council's planning department aims to convert 2 Derwentwater Terrace, in South Shields near Chichester Metro Station, into a four-bedroom multi-occupancy house.
The plans would involve a conversion from a dwelling house planning use to a HMO and the planning listing states the development would provide accommodation for "up to four unrelated professional occupants".
Proposed floor plans include four bedrooms across two floors, a shared kitchen, a shared bathroom and a tea / coffee station room.
The planning application argues that the development would provide "good-quality, longer-term residential accommodation for working professionals who require accommodation in South Tyneside for employment and work-related purposes".
It was noted that through the operation of an existing Airbnb business in the area, the applicant had "identified demand from professional guests seeking longer-term accommodation while working locally".
It was also stressed that the room dedicated as a tea and coffee station would "not be used as a bedroom, sleeping accommodation or rented separately".
The planning application goes on: "The property will be managed to maintain a high standard of accommodation and living conditions for all occupants.
"The proposal seeks to make effective use of the existing residential property while providing suitable accommodation to meet the needs of the local professional workforce.
"No significant external alterations or extensions are proposed, and the existing external appearance of the property will be retained".
The planning application states that no work or change of use has started yet at the property.
A decision on the HMO plan is expected following a council consultation.
For more information, visit the council's planning portal website and search for reference 260692.