PLANS to retrospectively create a house of multiple occupation in Wombwell have been submitted just days after the council rejected initial plans - and three local councillors have asked residents to submit their views.
An application seeking for a lawful development certificate to be issued was submitted for the property on Hough Lane, but that was deemed insufficient as Barnsley Council has adopted an Article Four directive on HMOs giving the planning service greater powers.
However, it has now been confirmed the applicant has gone for full retrospective planning permission.
A report said: “Due to the Article Four direction implemented in Barnsley in 2021, permitted development rights for such conversions were removed.
“The owners were unaware that formal planning consent was required for a small HMO in this area.
“During the council’s inspection, it was confirmed that the property functioned as a small HMO, prompting advice to regularise the planning status retrospectively.
“This application, therefore, seeks to regularise the use and ensure the property fully complies with all HMO management, fire safety, and amenity standards set out by Barnsley Council, demonstrating our commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.”
The report added that the property meets the internal space standards required in HMOs while also providing safe and accessible living arrangements.
It also said that work is ongoing to improve fire safety and environmental health compliance and respects the residential character of the surrounding areas.
However, Wombwell Couns James Higginbottom, Brenda Eastwood and Robert Frost have all said they are against the plans.
They’ve called on residents to submit their views.
In a joint statement they told the Chronicle: “There is already an oversupply of HMO and bedsit accommodation in the Wombwell ward, particularly concentrated around terraced properties on Hough Lane, Barnsley Road, High Street and adjoining streets.
“We feel that a further HMO in this area is not warranted and does not contribute to an appropriate housing mix in Wombwell.
“Our view is that large terraced properties on streets like Hough Lane are best suited for retention as family homes, not HMOs.
“The property in question is already operating as an HMO and is under active investigation by planning enforcement which demonstrates already the unsuitability of this property for use in such a manner.
“The property has generated significant levels of complaints from residents due to antisocial behaviour, poor waste management and relations with neighbouring properties that have led to current investigations by the Safer Barnsley service and others.
“This would only be compounded, and indeed legitimised to a certain degree, by the granting of planning permission.
“The provision of parking is not sufficient for multiple households in an area that is already extremely limited in terms of space and adjoins a primary school with high levels of vehicle traffic during peak hours in term time.
“Our view remains that this application is not appropriate for the type and location of the property and should be rejected.”
The public can have their say on plans until November 14.
