Hotel to HMO Conversion Approved After Councillor Withdraws from Vote

A council member had to leave an HMO debate. The council then barely approved the application. It concerned Clarendon House, a former pub that faces the town clock on Redcar High Street. The owner wanted to change it from a hotel to an HMO.

Councillor Carl Quartermain was concerned about too many HMOs in Coatham. He argued that council funds were low, meaning they could not monitor HMO conditions well.

A legal officer spoke to Quartermain, who planned to vote against the application. The officer said he showed “pre-determination” and was not approaching it fairly, advising him not to vote. It could have led to a legal challenge.

Quartermain denied pre-judging. He quit after a request from the chairman, Councillor Stuart Smith. Smith noted Quartermain asked for committee review. The public didn’t object to the plans.

The building’s second floor was for contractors. Manager Julie Tait said the business wanted longer leases. They planned shared areas below and had ten en-suite rooms. Occupancy was very good, and the property was well-kept.

Tait stated the place was generally quiet with no problems. She said they rented to professionals only, avoiding contracts with local authorities. They checked IDs and work references, and CCTV cameras were in place; some members questioned the change.

Councillor Stephen Martin said he was doubtful. Councillor Lynn Pallister asked why change it, noting many HMOs existed in Coatham. HMOs have three or more tenants from different households and share a toilet, bathroom, or kitchen. Large HMOs need a council license.

Hayley Nixon represented the applicant. She said the property’s operation would remain the same and changing could bring financial benefits, like getting a mortgage. Hotels usually have shorter stays, she noted, while HMOs are less transient.

Quartermain discussed the issue before, saying he wasn’t against all HMOs but opposed too many in one area. Smith asked if Quartermain was open-minded. The councillor said yes, he was.

Six councillors voted for the application, and four voted against it. Councillor Malcolm Head supported the plan, saying it was a large, well-run place. Hotels can’t have shared kitchens, he said. The change was for operational reasons.

Quartermain said Redcar had most large HMOs and spoke after the meeting. He said this area had 27 out of 31 and stated HMOs disrupt communities. This increase parking and strain services, and may also cause bad behavior.

An officer mentioned past HMO approvals. Five large HMOs were approved in Redcar in the last three years. Only one was specifically for contractors. The officer added there wasn’t too much contractor housing, as it differs, since its occupation cannot be permanent.