Appeal launched after Wrexham Council fails to make decision on HMO plans

An appeal has been launched after a local authority failed to decide on plans for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) on one of the main gateways into Wrexham.

The property on Mold Road, which is close to Wrexham Glyndwr University, had already existed as a HMO previously, but permission lapsed after it was put up for sale.

The house’s new owner Jennis Konadan applied to Wrexham Council in order to renew its licence, as well as extending the building to have an additional bedroom, taking the total up to four.

However, despite the proposals being with the authority’s planning department since February 2018, it has yet to make a decision.

Mr Konadan has now appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in order to try and resolve the situation.

In his appeal documents, Mr Konadan said it the house was in a highly sought after area and would provide a good standard of living space.

He said: “This property was an HMO for very long period and used as a permitted HMO until recently.

“The old management didn’t renew the HMO licence on time with Wrexham Council as the property was up for sale. When I took over the property, I applied for the HMO licence renewal and paid fully.

“The council planning officer told me several times over the phone that the permission would be granted shortly, but I never got a decision in writing.

“Considering the location, which is in high demand and sustainable for a HMO, its long standing history as an HMO with no anti-social or behavioural complaints ever made, and I have complied with all upgrades and needs, I hereby request to grant the permission.”

Comments are currently being invited from both parties by the Planning Inspectorate up until early August. A date will then be set for the appeal to be heard.

Picture: Planning document

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