More than 100 people in the Trowbridge area of Cardiff have signed a petition against plans to convert a house on Hendre Road into a five-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO). Residents say the proposal threatens the area's future.
Byba Properties Ltd has submitted plans to Cardiff council to turn the residential home at 50 Hendre Road into a five-bedroom HMO. A petition created by local people had, at the time of writing, 114 signatures.
Residents raise parking and noise concerns
The petition says the issue of the HMO “strikes at the very heart of our community’s safety, wellbeing and cohesion”. It states that Hendre Road is “predominantly a residential street where many families have found a peaceful and supportive environment”.
According to the petition, “the change into an HMO could disrupt our way of life, exacerbating existing problems and creating new challenges”. It highlights parking as one of the foremost issues, saying the street already struggles with limited parking space and that more residents would “undeniably intensify this problem”.
The campaigners also point to “broader implications for the wellbeing and peace of mind for all who call this area home”, including heightened noise levels, “more frequent disturbances”, and additional strain on bin collections.
Community character at stake
The petition continues: “The character of our neighbourhood is at stake. HMOs often lead to transient populations, which can undermine the sense of community and stability that we have worked so hard to build.”
Planning documents for the HMO state: “Lighting will be low level and directed within the curtilage to avoid nuisance. A management plan will confirm responsibility for waste presentation, maintenance of external areas, tenant information, reporting of repairs and control of noise.”
The documents add that these measures, together with compliant fire precautions and durable internal finishes, will support “a safe and well-managed home”.
Application details and next steps
The application notes that none of the 29 other properties within 50 metres of the site are HMOs. If approved, 50 Hendre Road would be the only HMO in the area. The proposal states it “would not create an excessive concentration or materially alter the balance of the local community”.
The site is located in “Cardiff’s built-up area” with nearby public transport options. The application reads: “This established connection, together with the proposed one-cycle-space-per-bedroom provision, supports travel choices other than the private car.”
The plans are currently in the consultation stage, with no date given for a final decision.
