Plans to convert a former Valleys B&B into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Merthyr Tydfil have been met with opposition from over 1,000 people and have not been approved by councillors. The proposal for the Mount Pleasant Hotel in Merthyr Vale, submitted by D2 PropCo Ltd, faced a petition with 1,275 signatures and 91 letters of objection. Following a council planning committee meeting on September 11, where councillors voted against the officer recommendation to approve the development, the plans will be reconsidered at the next meeting in October.
The Mount Pleasant Hotel, previously used as a bed and breakfast, ceased operations several years ago and is currently serving as a large residential property. Concerns raised by opponents of the HMO aspect of the proposal include fears about safety for young children, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals. They also highlighted potential issues such as an “overconcentration” of HMOs, detrimental effects on the area’s character, increased anti-social behaviour, noise disturbances, and parking challenges in the neighbourhood.
Opponents argued that the proposed HMO would exacerbate existing parking issues, hinder emergency service access, and potentially lead to accidents. They suggested alternative community-focused uses for the building, such as a public house, recreational centre for children, or a community hub, to preserve the area’s amenities. Despite planning officers recommending approval, citing the property’s current residential use and unsuccessful attempts to sell it as a B&B, objectors emphasised the negative impact on the local community.
The planning report acknowledged the potential impact of non-family households on the area’s character but asserted that the proposed HMO would not create an over-concentration, as no other similar properties are in close proximity according to council records. Regarding concerns about anti-social behaviour and parking, the report mentioned shared responsibilities among authorities and property managers. It highlighted the property’s existing parking spaces and proximity to public transport routes to mitigate parking demands.
While objections raised issues about parking congestion and road safety, the report suggested solutions like additional on-street parking further along Cardiff Road and the availability of sustainable travel options. Despite disagreements between objectors and planning officers, the final decision on the Mount Pleasant Hotel’s conversion to an HMO is deferred to the forthcoming planning committee meeting. The debate surrounding this development reflects the balancing act between housing needs and community preservation in Merthyr Tydfil.