(Image: Durham County Council)
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Three new houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in Durham could be approved at a planning committee meeting despite objections from neighbours.
Members of Durham County Council’s Central and East Area Planning Committee are being recommended to approve applications at a meeting in The Light on Tuesday (October 13).
There are three applications for HMOs being discussed.
North Road
The largest scheme is opposite the bus station on North Road, where a redundant lift shaft, storage area and former lift motor room would be converted into a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Officers said the site is in a town centre location where commercial uses are dominant and concluded the development complies with planning policy.
It attracted three representations and objections from Durham City Parish Council over its impact on neighbouring residents.
A HMO opposite Durham Bus Station could be approved. (Image: GOOGLE)
Crossgate Moor
A second application seeks to turn a three-bedroom family home at St Bede’s Close, Crossgate Moor, into a three-bedroom HMO.
Eleven objections were lodged, including from Durham City Parish Council, Durham City Trust and the Nevilles Cross Community Association.
Concerns centred on parking, community balance, residential amenity and the loss of a family home.
However, planning officers said the proportion of student-exempt properties within 100 metres of the site would be 5.3 per cent, below the council’s ten per cent threshold.
High Wood Terrace
The third proposal relates to High Wood Terrace, an existing six-bedroom HMO.
The application seeks permission for a first-floor rear extension to create two shower rooms and internal alterations.
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Durham City Parish Council and Durham City Trust argued the works could effectively create an additional bedspace, but officers concluded no extra bedrooms would be added and the changes would simply improve facilities for existing occupants.
In all three cases, planning officers have recommended approval, saying the proposals comply with County Durham Plan policies and would not cause unacceptable harm to neighbouring residents or the wider area.
Final decisions will be made when the committee meets on Tuesday afternoon.