COUNCILLORS have given the green light to a new house in multiple occupation (HMO) after residents threatened it could lead to a string of problems. 

Residents of Thistlebarrow Road, Bournemouth, had previously warned against converting a home into a six-bedroom HMO because it could “jeopardise family friendly property owners”. 

They also said it would lead to parking problems and speculated on the type of people to move into the homes. 

Resident Raymond Allen told a planning committee meeting that he and his neighbours were “deeply concerned” about the conversion of the home. 

“The change could disrupt the tranquility of our community but also presents the risk to safety and wellbeing of the families in the neighbourhood,” he said to councillors. 

“HMOs can lead to increased noise pollution and anti-social behaviour, partying issues and strained local resources.” 

41 Thistlebarrow Road41 Thistlebarrow Road (Image: Google Maps)

Patrick CanavanPatrick Canavan

Cllr Patrick Canavan, on the committee, said the main problem with HMOs is around a lack of enforcement.  

He said his ward in Boscombe has “significant numbers” of HMOs where there are “constant problems with the condition and behaviour of residents of those properties”. 

Littledown ward councillor Lawrence Williams added: “I'm concerned about the impact on the character of the street as it’s a family-orientated street.” 

Committee member Jo Clements disagreed, saying the layout and plan of the HMO is “carefully and sensitively arranged”, saying there could be a family with several teenagers each with a car. 

“I don’t see [parking] as being a big problem,” she said. 

Lawrence WilliamsLawrence Williams

Matt Annen, director of Pure Town Planning, said the applicant said that because less than 10 per cent of HMOs are already in the area, policy states another one can be made. 

He added the HMO would be made to a “high standard” and would be marketed to “local working professionals looking for short term accommodation”. 

“It would not be a student let,” Matt added. 

Talbot Woods councillor Matt Gillett highlighted the “main issue here is does it fit with the local plan? It's not whether or not we want an HMO or not.” 

He said: “The framework is very clear... it’s designed to push HMOs into residential areas and away from areas like Winton [...] which is already over the threshold.”