RETROSPECTIVE plans to turn a former pharmacy into a house of multiple occupation have been approved by the council despite objections from locals.

An application to use the unit on Agnes Road as a five-person HMO was originally submitted to the council in September.

A report states that a total of five objections were received from locals.

There concerns raised from parking, traffic, antisocial behaviour, criminality and a concentration of HMOs in the area.

Despite this, the plans were approved by Barnsley Council’s planning board earlier this week.

The report said: “Having balanced all material planning considerations, while some objections have been received in respect of the proposal, it is considered that concerns have been appropriately addressed through the information provided, and while moderate weight is attributed against the proposal.

“The surrounding area would also remain principally residential comprising smaller terraced dwellings.

“While noise nuisance is possible from the increased comings and goings to and from the application property, this has not been identified as an existing concern and given that the HMO use has been operating retrospectively, it indicates that there has been minimal impact on the amenity of existing residents.

“In addition, it is not considered that the retrospective use as a HMO would be materially or significantly more harmful than if the property were to be occupied as a family dwellinghouse.

“For the reasons given above, and taking all other matters into consideration, the proposal complies with the relevant local and national planning policies and guidance.

“Therefore, planning permission should be granted subject to necessary conditions.”