Yahoo News Plans for 8-bedroom home of multiple occupancy in Wallsend rejected amid police concerns
An application for an 8-bedroom 'home of multiple occupancy' in Wallsend has been rejected
North Tyneside Council's planning committee has rejected plans to convert 80 Station Road, Wallsend, a former shop, into a dwelling housing up to eight people. The plans had generated 10 public comments on the local authority's website and concerns from Northumbria Police, the force however did fall short of submitting a formal objection.
Northumbria Police raised several worries including: "The potential to have up to 8 unrelated persons living in close proximity also has the potential to have
another demand on the police through internal tensions within the dwelling as well as between any couples who are in the dwelling, and have an impact on the nearby neighbours and the wider community."
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The Police also highlighted the potential increase in cars related to the property could contribute to heightened community tensions and neighbourly disputes.
The Police comments concluded: "Northumbria Police have strong reservations about the development but do understand there is a greater need to housing in the Northumbria Police area and the development has its benefits and issues."
Several councillors on the committee expressed concerns over the health and safety of residents about the development and felt the police's comments while not an official rebuke, highlighted major concerns.
This is despite council officers recommending the project be approved partially on the basis that housing developments are treated with a presumption of favorability for sustainable development. In addition, officers noted that the proposals offered more living space for potential residents, in "stark contrast" to other HMO applications.
The plans were rejected by the committee by a majority decision of six against and four in favour.
