Plans to house up to 22 people in a six-bedroom property in Tranmere have been submitted to Wirral Council, sparking debate over high-density living. The application proposes converting 32 Westbank Road into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), with only one kitchen and a shared garden for all residents.
Proposed Layout and Occupancy
The two-and-a-half storey property would feature six rooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Five rooms are intended for families of four, while a sixth room would accommodate two people, bringing the total to 22 residents. The application states that each room would be occupied by a family, with no unrelated individuals sharing rooms. Plans describe the room sizes as 'generous', claiming each bedroom 'could comfortably accommodate more than four occupants', despite the house limit being set at 22.
Shared Facilities and Kitchen Expansion
The existing kitchen, measuring 10 square metres, would be expanded to 15 square metres by incorporating an adjacent ground-floor room into a new, larger kitchen and living space. All residents would share this single kitchen and a communal garden. The application asserts that the plans would provide 'high-quality residential accommodation'.
Parking and Transport Links
Regarding parking, the property has a driveway for two vehicles, with plans indicating space for three more on the street directly outside. Despite limited parking, the application highlights the property's location as well-served by public transport. It notes: 'Two train stations are situated within walking distance of the site, and the property is positioned on established bus routes serving destinations across Wirral and into Liverpool city centre.' Six cycle parking spaces would also be provided at the rear of the property, deemed 'appropriate for the scale and location of the development'.
Community and Council Considerations
The proposal is now under review by Wirral Council, which will consider factors such as density, impact on local services, and compliance with HMO regulations. The application does not specify how the HMO would be managed or what measures would ensure the well-being of up to 22 residents sharing limited facilities. Local residents may have the opportunity to comment during the consultation period.
