THE woman behind the plans to turn a former care home into a 13-bed house of multiple occupation is hoping to quash rumours circulating online regarding the application - and she’s inviting residents to come and have a look for themselves next month.

An application was submitted to Barnsley Council to turn part of Manor Court, on Churchfield Lane, Kexborough, into the HMO.

A report states that the facility is ‘much-needed’ - and a gym will also be included for those who live there.

The unit is currently used by a number of businesses though the HMO will not impact on them, with the proposed area currently unoccupied.

Owner Claire Atkinson says that the facility is ‘much-needed’ and, if plans are deemed acceptable, a deal could be struck with the NHS to house workers from abroad or outside of Barnsley who are in need of accommodation.

Claire told the Chronicle: “We’ve got 13 bedrooms, two lounges, a dining room a kitchen.

“They’re all a good standard.

“We hope they’ll all be filled with tenants pending permission.

“It’s sat here and it’s a massive waste.

“We have a housing crisis and this is going to help.”

However, the application has sparked concern among some residents who have been handing out leaflets to neighbouring properties, urging them to submit their views on the plans.

Their concerns ranged from traffic issues to the type of people that are going to be potentially living in the HMO.

But Claire wants to assure residents living nearby that those living in the property will be vetted.

“The people that are going to be living here are going to be professional workers,” she said.

“It’s not going to be abused.

“I wouldn’t let anyone in that I wouldn’t want to live next door to.

“I’ve been a landlord for 30 years.

“I’m confident there won’t be any issues at this property.

“People were worried about the type of people - we have a strict vetting process.

“Everything is done and people are thoroughly vetted - it’s all in place.

“It’s gong to be a well-run establishment.”

Darton West councillors Trevor Cave, Alice Cave and Sharon Howard have all backed residents who have objected to the plans - but Claire says she had invited them to have a guided tour of the facility, although they did not respond.

She is now in the process of writing to residents to come along themselves so she can quash any concerns they may have.

“We will write to local residents and be inviting them to an open evening,” she added.

“They can have a look themselves.

“They can meet us and hopefully put to bed any concerns that they might have.

“We’re very transparent in terms of what we’re doing and what we want to do.”

Public consultation on the application ends today.