Councilors greenlight new HMOs, raising worries about overdevelopment in the town.
Two buildings will become HMOs. One is on St. George’s Road, a listed building, and it’ll be 16 beds after a rear extension. Also, Age UK’s old offices on St. Thomas’s Road will have 15 beds.
Town planners actually suggested they approve them, and the councillors did as suggested. One councillor, Neville Whitham, is concerned because he thinks there are too many HMOs already. Another councillor, Craige Southern, shares this worry.
The health officer had concerns about St. George’s, and they wanted more details on safety and space. They would check these during licensing later.
Alex Hilton said St. Thomas’s rooms are a good size, which addresses previous concerns about room sizes.
Planners said St. George’s Rd needs major changes, and this would likely affect its importance. The front entrance and hallway won’t change much. The extension wouldn’t hurt the property, they claimed, and it’s surrounded by development anyway. They claim using the building helps protect it better.
No parking is available at St. George’s Road, but eight spaces are available at St. Thomas’s Road. County Council saw no issues, as both spots are near services and transportation.
The council approved both proposals. Eleven voted for it, and one abstained. So, more bedsits are coming to Chorley.