Residents to oppose planning application for nine bed HMO in Burnley's Thornhill Street
Residents are preparing to oppose a planning application to convert a terraced house on a quiet historic street in Burnley into a house of multiple occupancy, known as a HMO.
The plan, submitted to Burnley Council, involves converting an end terraced house on Thornhill Street in Lowerhouse, from a four bedroomed home into a six bed property, to house a maximum of nine occupants.
The plan, which has been submitted by agent Mark Mirams of Studio Charette on behalf of the applicant Mr Jonathan Whittaker, seeks to change the internal layout of the house. At basement level two bedrooms, a hallway, a store room and a utility/ cleaning cupboard are proposed.
To serve the bedrooms, two new windows would be created in the lower front elevation of the building. At ground floor level would be the main entrance hall, staircase, kitchen, shower room and living room. At first floor level three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and an ensuite are proposed. The property has an existing front garden area, a parking space and a detached garage.
Residents in the area are planning to hold a meeting to discuss the proposal.
Reasons for objection to the scheme include it being out of character for the area, traffic congestion and highway safety issues caused by an increased street parking. There are also concerns about an increased level of noise and disturbance and also inadequate provision for refuse storage, leading to potential hygiene issues.
Some residents have also expressed concerns that the potential high turnover of tenants, noise levels and increased traffic will significantly alter the quiet, family-oriented character of the street.
Thornhill Street backs onto the grounds of Lowerhouse Cricket Club. Originally known as Thornhill Moor, the history of the street is deeply rooted in the Industrial Revolution and was developed around the cotton spinning and calico printing industries.
Anyone who wishes to view the application can do so by going to https://burnley.gov.uk/planning/see-or-comment-on-planning-applications/
The deadline for objections to the proposal is April 30.