HMO with 32 bedrooms approved at second attempt

A plan to convert offices into a 32-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been approved at the second attempt, despite the concerns of councillors and the police.

The proposed development in Beverley Road, Hull, was resubmitted to the city council having been turned down in March last year.

A senior councillor told the planning committee that the community was "absolutely against" the application, while Humberside Police said it "may well add to the stresses" on the area.

However, Jason Kay, a property manager, argued that the proposal met the council's "own requirements" and would prevent the building being "left to decay".

Councillors heard that the development would incorporate a gym and cinema room. The bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, would be spread across three floors.

The building had been occupied by Alan Wood & Partners, an engineering consultancy, for the past 40 years.

Mr Kay told the committee that the firm had outgrown the premises and would be looking for a larger site, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

He suggested that, should the proposal be turned down, there would be a "significant chance" of jobs losses and of Alan Wood moving out of the city.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, the council's portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said there were too many HMOs in the area and they had a "significant detrimental effect on the local community".

He called on the committee to "show support for the residents".

Councillor David McCobb argued that an "over-proliferation" of HMOs was "having a significant detrimental affect on the local community".

The application, for 337-341 Beverley Road, was narrowly approved by five votes to four, with one abstention.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Kay said he was "over the moon" with the decision.

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