Two New HMO Sites Approved in Bridgend Despite Local Objection
Permission has been granted by Bridgend council’s planning committee for two former residential properties near Bridgend town centre to be converted into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The applications were submitted for changes of use from residential properties to HMOs for houses on St Marie Street and Acland Road.
St Marie Street Property Approval
– A three-bedroom property on St Marie Street was approved for a four-person HMO by developers D2 Propco Limited.
– No external alterations will be made to the mid-terrace property, but internal alterations will accommodate the change.
– The property will feature three upstairs bedrooms, a fourth bedroom in place of a reception room, a shared kitchen, lounge/diner, and communal bathroom on the ground level.
– Despite objections raised regarding over-intensity of HMO sites, parking issues, and proximity to a nearby school, the plans were deemed not contrary to planning policy.
Acland Road Property Approval
– A second application was approved for a property on Acland Road, around 400m from the town centre, to be converted into a four-bedroom HMO by developers at Tenbee Properties.
– The property will have three upstairs bedrooms and a communal bathroom, with a ground-floor lounge transformed into a fourth bedroom.
– There were concerns from neighbors about parking problems, over-intensification of HMO sites, and potential loss of family housing, but the plans were unanimously approved.
The Acland Road property may soon provide housing for groups of doctors or nurses attached to the Princess of Wales Hospital.
Committee Decision
Despite objections, the planning committee approved both applications, emphasizing that the conversions align with planning policy and will not cause harm according to officers’ recommendations.
This decision marks a significant change in Bridgend’s housing landscape, potentially catering to the needs of specific groups within the community. The move has sparked discussion among locals and officials, highlighting the ongoing debate around housing developments and their impact on residential areas.