RESIDENTS have warned that plans for a new HMO could “jeopardise family friendly property owners” in Bournemouth.
Plans have been lodged by a landlord to convert a home in Thistlebarrow Road into a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation.
Concerned resident Linda Brown warned extra people living in the road could “exacerbate the already severe traffic congestion and related issues that plague our neighbourhood”.
She added the road is close to the Vitality Stadium and several schools that all generate “substantial” traffic during peak times and match day.
“This congestion is not only a major inconvenience for residents but also poses a significant risk to public safety,” she said.
Littledown resident Adrian Edwards said: “The proposed development is not in keeping with character of the street/surrounding houses and runs the risk of jeopardising the quiet enjoyment of the family friendly residential property owners in this area.”
Debra Shewry said: “To introduce a property of HMO classification would set a precedent for new buyers in the future.”
Jonathan Adams said: “Traffic will increase, on a road that is already used as a rat-race for avoiding queues backing up Littledown Avenue from the roundabout at the end of Kings Park Drive.
Littledown ward councillor Lawrence Williams said having potentially six or more residents “will undoubtedly cause more pressure on parking”.
He added: “I believe that the proposal would not be in keeping with character of the street and the surrounding houses.
“It is also a threat to other roads close by offsetting a precedent for the whole area, I am objecting as both a resident close by and the ward councillor.
“Thistlebarrow Road is a quiet street with family houses and as such there are no HMO's. I am concerned about the impact on the character of the street and this very family orientated area, as well as potential parking issues.”
Despite the concerns, a report by BCP planning officer Natasha McCann suggested the scheme go ahead if cycle parking is made available.
The application will be decided by the planning committee next week.
Pure Town Planning, on behalf of the landlord, said: “There would be no discernible change in the external appearance of the building.”
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