Plans for HMO in Hendon rejected

Plans for a multiple occupation house, or “HMO” in Hendon have been rejected after neighbours objected heavily to the plans.

Earlier this year, an application was tabled to Sunderland City Council to turn a Hendon home into a six bed house of multiple occupation (HMO).

But the plans resulted in objections from neighbours, who raised concerns about parking, anti-social behaviour and the negative impact the HMO could have on the close-knit community.

It was planned that a home on Athol Park would be turned into a HMO, but on October 1, Sunderland Council’s planning authority refused the application. The reasons for the refusal were that the proposal provided “a sub-standard level of accommodation, given the limited communal space to the detriment of the residential amenities and living conditions”. It was also highlighted that the HMO would “introduce an uncharacteristic form of residential accommodation to the street”.

It is understood the plans for the HMO were lodged retrospectively and that there have allegedly been ongoing issues with the current tenants. Before the refusal, many Athol Park residents raised their concerns and objected to the plans.

One resident said there were concerns the HMO could be associated with increased noise and anti-social behaviour, adding: “I urge you to consider the negative impact that this HMO would have on our close-knit community…” Another resident said the HMO would “significantly decrease” property prices and included issues with the current occupiers, saying: “The tenants have on numerous occasions held late night parties in the courtyard, including loud music and shouting into the early hours which disturbs myself, my partner and children.”

Another resident’s objection stated: “There is an increase in litter around the front of the property; the garden is overgrown and unkept. The hedges are severely overgrown and causing obstruction to the walk way. This is a small cul-de-sac and the increased traffic is having a huge strain on private residents. A HMO would be detrimental to this small, quiet and close knit community who all support each other.”