Local Concerns Raised Over Proposed HMO Conversion in Wigan

A plan takes shape to change a five‐bed room house on Dicconson Street, Wigan. Andrew Lyon of Winstanley Property Ltd leads this plan. The house converts to an HMO for five tenants. Neighbors see the change up close and worry about what lies ahead.

Resident Concerns

The plan sits on Wigan Council’s planning portal. Neighbors send in their replies. Paul Moorcroft, who owns a home next door, adds his worry. He tells the Local Democracy Reporting Service, "I fear the house turns into an HMO because my home touches it. I see a strong risk of anti-social acts. This area already has too many HMOs."

Yvonne Taylor, a neighbor, voices her doubt. "I am not happy. There are enough HMOs nearby," she says. Sue Lawless, another local, adds that families who once filled this street are quickly leaving.

The voices come not just from fear of unrest but also from a wish to keep the neighborhood calm. Residents share that more HMOs bring more transient living, which shakes the long-term feel of their street.

The Planning Context

The plan sits in the Swinley area. The area needs a special planning mark known as ‘Article Four.’ This mark stops HMO changes unless clear planning permission is gained. It helps keep a steady mix of homes, which in turn saves the local feel.

The plan shows a three-storey building. It holds one spot for off-street parking and a small private yard in back. The paper says the building changes little outside. It holds that the look of the area stays the same.

The paper adds limits. It sets a cap to five residents per home. This rule keeps the building from turning too busy.

Parking and Amenities

The parking near the spot is kept under strict rules. Local rules allow permits only for nearby residents. Future tenants can ask for such permits. The plan talks of ways to handle waste and to sort recycling properly. The number of rooms is made small to keep the home simple and fit for life.

Next Steps

Winstanley Property Ltd was asked for its reply on the concerns. So far, no words have come out. When all replies are in and talks come to a close, the planning committee of Wigan Council will decide.

Conclusion

The plan to change the Dicconson Street house into an HMO has drawn many views. Neighbors speak out on worries of unrest, the quiet of their streets, and the mix of home types in their area. As the planning goes on, the words of those living here will shape Wigan’s future.

For investors with an eye on the HMO sector, the local mood and strict rules form a side of the market that ties closely to property paths.

Resources:

• Wigan Council Planning Portal
• Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS)
• Article Four Direction Guidance, UK Government
• HMOs and Local Community Impact Studies