Local Objections to New HMO Plans in Wigan: Community Concerns Mount
A plan sits on the desk. Andrew Lyon from Winstanley Property Ltd has proposed to change a five-bedroom house on Dicconson Street into an HMO. The town center lies near the house. The plan calls for up to five residents to live in the semi-detached building in Swinley. Local residents have quickly filed their objections on the council’s portal.
Community Concerns
Several neighbours share their alarm. Paul Moorcroft, who owns the house next door, fears problems. He says, "I worry about the house turning into an HMO. My house touches it, and I see a high risk of bad behaviour. There are already many HMOs in the area." His words join a wider concern.
Yvonne Taylor, who is 56, also has issues with the plan. She states, "I am not happy with this change. There are many HMOs already here." Sue Lawless, aged 59, sees change in the local face. She adds, "The houses by Bridgeman Terrace now see three HMOs, and more exist nearby. This area once hosted families with children, but they are leaving fast."
The Planning Landscape
The HMO proposal lies in an area with an ‘Article Four’ rule. This rule means that any conversion must get planning permission first. The rule tries to keep HMO numbers in check so that the community stays balanced.
The plan makes clear how it will reduce problems. The house will have three storeys and a private yard at the back. There is one spot for off-street parking. On-street parking now only helps permit holders, which may cut down on traffic and parking issues.
The builders have set the plan to avoid too many residents. They have also planned for waste and recycling collection. Still, some locals fear that short-term living may bring unwanted changes.
Assessing the Prospective Impact
Local critics see the growth in HMOs as a way to bring in short-term residents. They feel that this shift harms the steady, family feel that long-term residents want. They point out that a rise in HMOs can stir up tensions and change a neighborhood.
Residents like Sue Lawless see this as part of a larger trend in many UK towns. HMOs have stirred heated debates over city living and community life. Such housing choices remain a heated topic as the UK works through housing shortages and rising rents.
Conclusion
Residents now shout their worries about the HMO plan on Dicconson Street. The local council must now listen to these views when it makes its choice. The matter ties into a larger discussion about housing in the UK. The UK still needs to find ways to balance shared spaces with the needs of current residents.
Winstanley Property Ltd has yet to reply to the concerns. As the plan moves forward, both builders and locals must talk clearly to solve the issues at hand.
For those who want to invest in similar houses, this case shows that a clear view of local rules and community feelings is very important.
Sources:
- Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS)
- Wigan Council Planning Portal
- Article Four Direction guidelines (UK Government)
These points give a clear view of what the plan means for the community and show both the positive aims and the concerns locals hold about this change.
