A proposal to convert Avondale Guest House on Bishopthorpe Road in York into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has ignited a wave of objections from nearby residents. The application, currently under review by the City of York Council, seeks to transform the seven-bedroom guesthouse into separate living spaces.
Local residents, including a family with two young children living next door, have expressed worries about the potential consequences of the conversion. They believe that the change in use would lead to increased noise levels and a higher risk of crime. The family argues that as a guesthouse, the property is relatively peaceful as visitors use their rooms for rest and departure. However, if converted into an HMO, the entire ground floor space would be accessible to residents, significantly elevating the potential for disturbances.
The proposed plans also include the designation of the walled courtyard for waste disposal and cycle storage. This aspect has been met with criticism, with concerns raised about the limited capacity of the outside areas to accommodate the increased number of occupants and their waste. Detractors fear that inadequate waste management could pose health hazards and contribute to unsightly conditions.
Security is another major apprehension voiced by residents. They fear that the turnover of occupants typical in an HMO could result in a larger number of people having access to the rear security gates, potentially compromising the safety and security of the street. The presence of House in Multiple Occupation properties has historically brought anti-social behavior to this area, including incidents of drug dealing and graffiti, further heightening concerns for the safety of children playing in the nearby alley.
Parking, a persistent problem in the area, is also a key issue raised by community members. Neighbors highlight the existing scarcity of parking spaces for residents in Zone R36, and they fear that the addition of seven new residents from the HMO would exacerbate the situation, making finding a parking spot nearly impossible.
The controversy surrounding the conversion of Avondale Guest House into an HMO highlights the tensions and anxieties that can arise when considering changes to existing properties. The City of York Council is currently reviewing the objections and concerns raised by local residents as part of the planning application process.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the proposal for Avondale Guest House in York?
– The proposal aims to convert the guesthouse into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), which would involve transforming the seven-bedroom guesthouse into separate living spaces.
2. Why are nearby residents objecting to the conversion?
– Nearby residents, including a family with two young children, have raised concerns about increased noise levels and a higher risk of crime that could arise from the conversion. They argue that the guesthouse is currently relatively peaceful, whereas an HMO could lead to disturbances.
3. What are the concerns regarding waste disposal and cycle storage?
– The proposed plans include designating the walled courtyard for waste disposal and cycle storage. However, critics are concerned about the limited capacity of the outdoor areas to handle the increased number of occupants and their waste. They fear that inadequate waste management could pose health hazards and contribute to unsightly conditions.
4. What is the issue with security?
– Residents are apprehensive about the turnover of occupants typically seen in an HMO. They worry that a larger number of people having access to the rear security gates could compromise the safety and security of the street. The presence of HMOs in the past has also brought anti-social behavior, such as drug dealing and graffiti, raising concerns for the safety of children in nearby areas.
5. What is the parking issue?
– Parking is already a persistent problem in the area, with limited spaces for residents in Zone R36. The addition of seven new residents from the HMO is feared to worsen the situation, making finding a parking spot nearly impossible.
Key Terms and Jargon:
– House in Multiple Occupation (HMO): A rental property with three or more tenants who form two or more households. Often, tenants have their own separate rooms but share common areas.
Suggested Related Links:
– City of York Council: The official website of the City of York Council where you can find more information about planning applications and local regulations.
– UK Government – Households: Owning and Renting: Information about owning and renting properties in the UK provided by the government.