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Former student accommodation on Teesside could become one of the region’s largest HMOs under plans to open it to the wider public.
A planning application has been submitted to change the use of Infinity House on Sorbonne Close, Thornaby, from student accommodation into a 229-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
The plans have sparked concern among nearby residents and Cleveland Police ahead of a public consultation on Wednesday (October 7).
The plans would retain all bedrooms and make no external changes, but allow the accommodation to be occupied by “a wider spectrum of the population”.
Infinity House, a 10-minute walk from Stockton Riverside College, was built as student accommodation and was once part of Durham University’s former Queen’s Campus.
Stockton Riverside College (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
The planning statement says occupancy has fallen in recent years as the student accommodation market has declined.
The statement argues that the proposal would bring a substantial amount of accommodation back into wider use at a time when Stockton Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.
It also says the change would provide low-cost, flexible housing by reusing an existing building.
However, the scheme has attracted objections.
Neighbour Mrs Wilcox told Stockton Council she feared the development would bring more noise, disturbance and insecurity.
She said: “I live on my own, and this makes me feel very unsafe as we would not know who will be placed/living within this large facility with a high number of rooms.
"As the crime rate is already extremely high within Stockton I do not agree that this would lead to making Stockton a nicer place to live."
The accommodation used to serve students at Durham University's Queen's Campus. (Image: GOOGLE)
Cleveland Police has also formally objected to the plans.
The force said the HMO would be one of the region’s largest and warned it could increase anti-social behaviour, crime, safeguarding risks and pressure on public services.
It warned the development could become a focus for vulnerable people with complex needs without suitable support.
The Environment Agency has also objected to the application, saying the submitted flood risk assessment does not adequately address the impact of climate change on future flood risk at the site.
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Under the proposals, the building would continue to provide 229 bed spaces with shared kitchens, communal areas, laundry facilities and on-site management.
The management plan outlines a 24-hour reporting line, CCTV, on-site staff and measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The plans will go before Stockton Council for an initial consultation on Wednesday, when submitted comments and objections will be reviewed.