Plans submitted for new five-bedroom HMO in South Shields neighbourhood

South Tyneside Council’s planning department has received an application for 34 Alnwick Road in the town’s Biddick and All Saints ward.

Plans from AA Sutton Property Ltd are seeking permission for the “change of use from a “C3 dwelling” to a HMO.

Existing floor plans submitted with the application state the property’s ground floor includes a study, kitchen / dining room and living room, as well as two en-suite bedrooms on the first floor and one en-suite bedroom on the second floor.

New plans for the HMO are proposing two en-suite bedrooms and a communal kitchen / dining room on the ground floor, along with two en-suite bedrooms on the first floor and one en-suite bedroom on the second floor.

The application falls against a backdrop of South Tyneside Council’s recent decision last year (2025) to launch an “immediate” borough-wide Article 4 Direction removing permitted development rights for small HMOs, meaning that planning permission is now needed for all HMOs across the borough.

A planning application from developers for 34 Alnwick Road notes work had already started on the property in September, 2025, but that the “work or change of use has not been completed.”

A planning statement submitted with the HMO application notes there will be “no external works other than the addition of a bin store and cycle spaces”.

Internally, plans would include “the reconfiguration of the existing layout to facilitate the conversion” and developers said “all rooms meet the required minimum space standards”.

The planning statement adds: “All the properties developed by Beaumont and Partners [the listed agent for the scheme] will be professionally designed and managed.

“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 properties are owned by Beaumont and Partners and/or its clients and thus high-quality respectful tenants are essential to the long-term commercial success of the investment.

“Every property has a dedicated property manager with a set of guidelines.”

Management plan guidelines include the property manager’s actions around preventing antisocial behaviour, “ensuring that any necessary repairs are carried out promptly”, maintaining the property, providing access for regular inspections, and “ensuring that the water supply and drainage system serving the HMO is maintained and in good, clean and working condition”, planning documents state.

Those behind the scheme said the “level of interior fit out of the properties is of a high standard to attract the required level of professional tenant”.

The planning statement adds: “The proposed change of use from a C3 dwelling to a C4 HMO of multiple occupancy has been designed to meet all relevant standards and guidance set out by South Tyneside Council and national planning policy.

“The internal layout provides an appropriate standard of accommodation, exceeding the minimum space and daylight requirements, and includes adequate waste storage and cycle parking facilities in accordance with local HMO standards”.

Developers said that the site was located close to Metro and bus services and would “make an efficient use of existing housing stock, providing additional, high-quality accommodation that supports local housing needs without adversely impacting the character of the area or the amenities of neighbouring occupiers”.

It was also argued that the HMO could be “easily absorbed into the neighbourhood” and that “given the minimal change in the bedrooms […] the comings and goings of five tenants will not be significantly greater than those of a family unit.”

A decision on the planning application is expected following a council consultation exercise.

For more information on the plan, or to track its progress, visit South Tyneside Council’s planning portal website and search reference: 260030