Growing Concerns Over HMO Proposal in Wigan Neighbourhood

Plans are now out for a five-bedroom house on Dicconson Street in Wigan. Andrew Lyon, who directs Winstanley Property Ltd., leads the proposal. Neighbours raise their voices because they worry for their community.

Details of the Proposal

The house stands in a busy area near Wigan town centre. The plan lets the three-storey home hold up to five tenants. It has a private yard at the back and a parking space off the street. Local rules let permit holders use the spot. These permits include future HMO tenants.

Local residents oppose the change. Many fear that another HMO will add to the problems that already exist.

Community Response

Paul Moorcroft, 57, owns the house next door. He fears more anti-social behaviour if the house becomes an HMO. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:
"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."

Yvonne Taylor, 56, shares his worry. She said, "I’m not happy about this at all. There are already enough HMOs in the area."

Sue Lawless, 59, who lives nearby, sees a change in the neighbourhood. She noted, "Our houses back on to Bridgeman Terrace have three other HMOs close together. This used to be an area where families raised their children, but they are fast disappearing. I understand shared living; I did it when I was young. We are not against progress, but there are already many HMOs. The area feels transient, and that is not good."

Regulatory Framework

The Swinley area has an ‘Article Four’ rule. This rule needs anyone who changes a house into an HMO to get planning permission first. The rule exists to control the number of HMOs and keep the community strong.

In its application, Winstanley Property Ltd. said the house would keep its current outside look. The design will not change the style of the area. The company also limits the number of residents to five and will set up management steps to keep local areas in good shape.

Conclusion

The proposal to change a house on Dicconson Street into an HMO has started a strong debate among local people. Neighbours worry about community stability and the rise in HMOs. While Winstanley Property Ltd. waits for the council’s decision and listens to the community, the future of the plan is unclear.

This case reminds us that housing, rental markets, and community growth need careful thought in places like Wigan.

For more news on planning and housing in the UK, please check the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Wigan Council Planning Portal, and Gov.uk.

By staying informed and active, local people can ensure that their views on housing issues are heard.