Objections Raised Against Proposed HMO Conversion in Wigan
Overview of the Proposal
A plan exists to change a five-bedroom house on Dicconson Street in Swinley near Wigan town centre into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Andrew Lyon, a director at Winstanley Property Ltd in Wigan, leads the project. The plan seeks to house five people in this semi-detached building. Neighbours already express strong worry about the HMO. These concerns stir debate about HMOs in the community.
Local Concerns
The planning file is visible on the Wigan Council planning portal. Many local residents do not support the plan. Paul Moorcroft, a 57-year-old owner next door, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), “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.”
Neighbour Yvonne Taylor, 56, shared similar views. “I’m not happy about this at all. There are already enough HMOs in the area,” she said. These voices show that many people in Wigan worry about too many shared spaces in their streets.
Article Four Designation
Swinley is marked as an ‘Article Four’ area. This label means that plans to change properties must get special permission from the council. The rule helps control the growth of shared houses and keeps the living area safe.
Sue Lawless, 59, a resident from Bridgeman Terrace, shared, “Our houses back onto Bridgeman Terrace, where there are three HMOs close together, and there are others in this area.” She said, “This used to be an area where families brought up their children, but they are fast disappearing.” Sue has known shared living before, yet she worries about too many HMOs causing a shifting community feel.
Details of the Proposal
The application states that the property has three storeys and a private rear yard. Off-street parking is available for one car. Cars now park in front, and extra street parking exists for residents with permits, which would work for HMO tenants as well.
The plan keeps the number of rental rooms low. This effort stops crowding and keeps the services for tenants safe. The work will not change the outside look of the house, which means it stays similar to other buildings in the area.
The file explains, “The maximum number of residents (up to five people) is proposed to be controlled by condition, as can the management of the facility to minimise amenity impacts.” This sentence aims to show that the HMO will be well run.
Next Steps and Community Response
Winstanley Property Ltd has not yet spoken about the neighbours’ concerns. It is not clear how Wigan Council will see these views or whether the change will go ahead.
The debate on HMOs in Wigan shows issues seen in many UK towns. Many need rental homes, and this need has led to more shared spaces. Those who think about getting into these properties must learn local rules, listen to what residents say, and note the challenges of running an HMO.
Conclusion
The plan to turn a home on Dicconson Street into an HMO meets strong local opposition. Neighbours worry about anti-social behaviour and too many shared living areas. As the town deals with these challenges, the decision on this application may guide future projects in Wigan. Investors who look into these properties should know local rules, hear community views, and balance housing needs with neighborhood care.
For more information and updates, visit the Wigan Council planning portal here.
