Controversial proposals to transform a former care facility into an 11-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) are set to be presented to councillors for a decision. Sunderland City Council's planning and highways committee will deliberate and cast votes on the future of 12 Godfrey Road in the Grindon area next week.
Proposals from Metters Properties Ltd, lodged earlier this year, sought approval to convert the property into co-living accommodation in the form of an 11-bedroom HMO. Supporting documentation submitted alongside the application stated the property previously functioned as a council care facility but has been vacant for several years and has subsequently fallen into a state of disuse.
A submitted management plan confirmed that Metters Properties hold accredited landlord status with the council, and noted the property would be licensed with the local authority, ensuring it is safe, well-maintained and providing a good living environment for tenants. It was highlighted that the intended occupants for the property are young professionals seeking high-quality, low maintenance living in a well-managed environment.
Public Opposition and Support
Throughout a council consultation process regarding the proposals, considerable public opposition emerged, with approximately 40 formal objections raising a variety of concerns. Public concerns included impacts on residential amenity around noise, privacy, visual amenity and antisocial behaviour, along with fears about waste generation, overdevelopment, increased traffic and congestion and more.
Council planning documents also confirmed there was a 470-signature petition submitted opposing the co-living HMO scheme. Elsewhere, there were 20 representations in support with comments welcoming plans for the eyesore derelict building and describing the development as a positive and much needed improvement. One comment said the plan, if approved, would do nothing but lift the area and everybody who lives around and opposite the property.
Council Recommendation
Council planning officers, in a report published ahead of next week's decision-making planning and highways committee, have recommended the HMO for approval. It was noted that the proposal is not considered to be detrimental to the amenity of nearby residents, future occupants, visual amenity or highway safety.
Councillors on the planning and highways committee will discuss the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, June 10, at City Hall. The meeting is scheduled to start at 5.30pm and will be open to the public. For more information, visit the council's planning portal website and search for reference 26/00514/FUL.
