Objections Raised Over Proposed House of Multiple Occupation in Wigan

Andrew Lyon, director of Winstanley Property Ltd, submitted plans to change a five-bedroom house on Dicconson Street in Wigan. He wants to turn the house into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) for five people. Neighbors quickly voiced their concerns. They fear the project will bring anti-social actions and shift the local way of life.

Local Concerns and Objections

Residents saw the planning details on the council’s website. They began to speak up immediately. Paul Moorcroft, 57, who lives next to the proposed HMO, said, “I am very worried about the house next door becoming an HMO as my home adjoins it and there is a high risk of anti-social behaviour. There are already too many HMOs in this area.” His words show that many locals worry about more short-term residents in a stable neighborhood.

Yvonne Taylor, 56, a nearby neighbor, also said, “I’m not happy about this at all. There are already enough HMOs in the area.” Her remark supports Moorcroft’s view and adds to the common concern in the area.

Sue Lawless, 59, gave her view as well. She pointed out that her home back on Bridgeman Terrace lies near three other HMOs. Sue recalled that she once shared a home like the ones in the area. She noted that families used to live here and raise their children, but now that life is fading as short-term residents move in. Her words add to the worry that the neighborhood is losing its steady feel.

Planning Regulations and HMO Impact

The house lies in a zone with extra planning rules. The area is under an Article Four designation in Swinley, a rule that stops quick changes into HMOs. Changing a property into an HMO here needs extra planning permission. This rule helps slow the rise of such housing and keeps the neighborhood style steady.

The plan shows the house has three floors. It has a private yard at the back and space for one car off the street. The plan notes that today, vehicles park in front of the property in spots reserved for residents with permits.

The plan limits the number of residents to five. It says that careful management will follow to keep any local problems to a minimum.

Community Response and Future Implications

Many neighbors have sent in their objections. Now the local council faces a hard choice. People in Wigan have talked a lot about the number of HMOs in their town and fear more similar plans in the future.

Residents such as Moorcroft, Taylor, and Lawless point to an important moment for the area. The decision on this application might set a pattern for future requests. It will affect the balance between housing needs and a stable neighborhood.

Winstanley Property Ltd has not yet said how they will respond to these concerns.

Conclusion

The council is still looking at the proposal. The debate over the Dicconson Street house growing into an HMO grows each day. Neighbors speak out over the risks of losing a stable community and the chance of nearby anti-social behavior. As the council studies the plans, the voices of the people remind everyone of the need for careful local planning that keeps the neighborhood steady.

Sources:

• Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS)
• Wigan Planning Portal
• Winstanley Property Ltd [Pending Response]

For more information on House of Multiple Occupation rules and local effects, check these resources:

• UK Government Guidelines on HMOs
• BBC News on Wigan Housing Developments
• Planning Portal UK – HMO Planning Applications

For ongoing updates on local planning news, subscribe to regional news channels and check the Wigan council’s official website regularly.