Objections Raised Over Proposed HMO Conversion on Dicconson Street, Wigan
A five-bedroom house on Dicconson Street in Wigan is set to change into a shared home, and this plan has raised concerns. Andrew Lyon, director of Winstanley Property Ltd, shows the design to house up to five tenants. Neighbors worry about the effect on their community.
Community Concerns and Objections
The application is now on the Wigan Council planning site. Residents close to the house speak up. Paul Moorcroft, who owns the house next door, fears that shared living may bring unwanted behavior. He 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 reached the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Other neighbors like Yvonne Taylor and Sue Lawless share his view. Taylor said she is not happy about the plan. Lawless added that the area, which once welcomed family life, now seems to lose its stable character as new tenants move in and out.
Regulatory Framework
The area called Swinley is marked as an ‘Article Four’ zone. This means that any change to a shared home needs extra planning permission. In this setup, local councils can keep a close watch on shared homes. The Wigan Council planning committee must compare the worries of local people with the benefits that the new plan may bring according to Winstanley Property Ltd.
Planning Application Details
The application shows that the house has three levels and a small yard at the back. Parking space is limited to one car away from the street. Cars often park in front of the house, and only residents with permits may use nearby on-street spots. Winstanley Property Ltd says that new tenants may apply for these permits since parking is an issue for people living in the area.
The plan stops at five people for living space. It also keeps good services such as trash and recycling bins. The building’s look stays the same so that the familiar look of the street will remain intact.
Future Steps
Winstanley Property Ltd has been asked for comments by local agents. It is not clear how the Wigan planning committee will decide in view of the concerns many share. Local residents fear a rise in shared homes may lead to more social problems in the area.
Conclusion
The people of Wigan are now discussing the idea of this HMO on Dicconson Street. Their worry mirrors a wider issue in many British towns. Finding a mix of different living choices while keeping community life strong is a task for local councils and home builders.
For those who think of investing in shared homes, it is a clear sign to talk with local people and watch closely how these plans affect the neighborhood.
Sources
- Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS)
- Wigan Council planning portal
- UK Government Residential Tenancies GOV.UK
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government GOV.UK
- National HMO Network National HMO
Staying informed and involved helps investors make good choices while they watch over the needs and life of the community.
