Plans to create an HMO in Ashfield for working professionals, such as hospital staff, have been slammed by concerned neighbours.

Ashfield District Council has received a planning application to convert a four-bedroom terraced house at 20 Howard Street in the New Cross area of Sutton into an eight-bedroom HMO (house of multiple occupation) for eight people.

The increased capacity would be achieved by adding extensions to the side and back, as well as a rear dormer, and utilising the building’s roof space.

The applicant insists the HMO would be “professionally managed” by a lettings company that would vet all tenants and establish clear house rules regarding noise, parking and the character of the area.

The proposed HMO is earmarked for this four-bedroom terrace (centre) on Howard Street in Sutton. (PHOTO BY: Zoopla)

Its “targeted market” was employed people such as healthcare staff at the nearby King’s Mill Hospital, skilled tradespeople and industrial workers. And neighbours would be provided with a named contact should any issues arise.

However, the proposal has already attracted a handful of objections from residents on Howard Street, who have posted their feelings on the council’s website.

Overwhelmingly, their chief concern is the pressure such a scheme would place on parking which, they say, is “already at absolutely maximum capacity”.

One neighbour said: “We are regularly struggling to find spaces. It has become so bad that vehicles frequently block our driveway.

The rear of the Howard Street property, where parking space for two vehicles would be provided (PHOTO BY: Zoopla)

“If the HMO is aimed at working professionals, it seems reasonable to expect that a number of them would own vehicles.

“Adding potentially six or more cars to an already overcrowded street would only make the existing problems worse.”

Other neighbours pointed out that households from nearby streets, such as Stoneyford Road, Deepdale Street, Alfred Street and Queen Street, also regularly parked their cars on Howard Street.

One said: “Howard Street is not particularly wide and as parking demand increases, the road becomes more congested.

“There was recently an accident due to cars being parked too close to a resident’s driveway and obscuring the view.

“I am concerned about safety, and increased hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. Children, older residents and people with mobility issues all rely on clear and safe access.”

The applicant is listed as Kaur Rajawat, of Midland Developments Ltd, based in Staines, Surrey, and his agent is the Nottingham architecture and design company, Peter Philip.

The firm that has already been appointed to manage the HMO is named as HausMO Lettings and Management Ltd, while JNC Property Development Ltd, of Huddersfield, is also involved in the design of the conversion.

Described by estate agents as a “traditional, bay-fronted, villa-style family home”, the Howard Street property was built between 1900 and 1929 and has a current market value of about £190,000.

A planning statement, prepared by Peter Philip, says it sits within an “established residential setting”, boasts a “substantial rear garden” and has “good accessibility to Sutton town centre, local services and public transport”.

The HMO proposal was for two bedrooms to sit on the ground floor, along with a shared, bespoke kitchen, dining and living area, and three bedrooms on the first and second floors (roof space and proposed rear dormer).

Specifications included “high-quality furniture and durable finishes, with rooms expected to be marketed at £700 or more per calendar month”.

The statement goes on: “The potential effect upon neighbouring residents has been an important consideration through the design.

“It is also recognised that concerns regarding HMOs can extend beyond the physical design of the building and include the way the property is occupied and managed.

“For this reason, the application is supported by a clear management arrangement. HausMO would undertake routine inspections and respond to maintenance matters.

“Therefore, this application should be assessed on the specific evidence associated with this proposal, rather than on general assumptions regarding HMO accommodation.”

Addressing the contentious issue of parking, Peter Philip says the property had existing access at the back and hard-standing space for two vehicles.

On-street parking was available on Howard Street, while secure cycle-storage would be provided and good public transport options offered an alternative to car travel.

The council’s planning officers are currently considering the proposals and have set a deadline date of Monday, December 28 to make a decision or recommendation.

THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/

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