Proposals to increase number of tenants living in Wrexham HMO set to go ahead

Plans to increase the number of people living in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Wrexham look set to be approved despite concerns about parking and noise.

An application was entered in May relating to a property on Beechley Road in Hightown, where the owner currently has permission to house six tenants.

Andrew Shield wants to increase that figure to eight to allow space for two couples to share rooms as he said there was a lack of accommodation for them in the area.

The scheme has now received the backing of a senior official at Wrexham Council ahead of it being considered by councillors next week.

However, residents have raised fears it will add to the large number of vehicles parked on the road, causing traffic problems.

In a letter written to the local authority ahead of the meeting, John Harding, chair of the Beechley Road Residents’ Association, said: “The association is whole heartedly against the application being granted.

“In a 50 metre section of road, there are already seven rentals, four of which are registered HMO properties and other housing well above prescribed limit.

“The high level of occupation results in massive parking problems and a high level of noise with the comings and goings from the properties.”

The association previously campaigned against a separate application for a HMO on the same street.

It was granted permission on appeal despite councillors originally rejecting the plans following a protest held by neighbours.

The latest scheme has been recommended for approval by the council’s chief planning officer, who said it was unlikely to lead to an increased demand for parking spaces.

In his report, Lawrence Isted said: “There are no issues in relation to over-concentration of HMOs as this proposal is to increase the number of occupants within an existing one, and not the creation of a new one.

“I have considered the concerns of the residents in regard to parking and noise nuisance.

“With regard to parking, I appreciate that there are a significant number of vehicles that park on the carriageway with no provision for parking on site.

“Highways have no objections to the proposed development on the grounds that the proposed development is unlikely to result in parking demand compared with its current residential use.

“Noise nuisance can be addressed by public protection.”

The proposals will be discussed by the committee at a meeting at Wrexham’s Guildhall this afternoon.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).