A controversial scheme to convert and enlarge a former mobility shop and flat in Bristol, into a 14-bed HMO has been called “inhumane” by nearby residents as it seeks planning permission. The former Bristol’s Mobility Centre and above flat at 423 Whitehall Road has been part of a long-running campaign by developers to create a HMO for “students and young professionals”.
The property sits on the corner of Whitehall Road and Embassy Road and as part of the application, a proposed extension at the side and rear of the building would help increase the size of the potential HMO to a three-floored house.
Across the three floors, there would be two communal kitchen areas which measure at 12.5m² each approximately, and would include a large living area measuring 42m². The property would have a total of five shared bath/shower rooms, across the ground and first floors, and an additional three en-suite shower rooms.
However, the proposed 14 beds within the property has proven to be controversial. Currently the property consists of a single flat above the former shop, but in plans submitted to Bristol City Council earlier this month, nine people would be living on the first floor alone, which includes three communal bathrooms.
The former mobility shop would be converted into three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as the communal kitchens and living area. The second floor would house the last two bedrooms.
According to the planning application, each of the proposed bedrooms fulfils HMO living standards as each bedroom is a minimum 6.5m² in size. The smallest bed space is 6.5m² whilst the biggest is 10.3m², meaning the average size is 8.1m².
As is required, there would be a cycle parking space for each of the 14 students or young professionals. The submitted documents confirms that four car parking spaces will be available to be mixed with on-street parking.
Residents fighting to stop the HMO
The planning statement alleges that there would be no adverse impact on the local community of Whitehall, which has been strongly disputed by local residents, who have campaigned to object to the HMO being given permission. The latest batch of objections, which at the time of writing has hit more than 30 responses, is the fourth time that strong objections have been raised to the plans since initial documents were submitted in October 2023.
Despite the number of potential bed spaces in the property having decreased since the original proposals for a 20-bed HMO were submitted over a year ago, residents have expressed concern over the “negative impact on the quality of life” for people living in neighbouring houses.
One objection, dated November 13, said: “I strongly object to the proposed development on Whitehall Road/Embassy Road as it will have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of all of the people living in neighbouring houses, and streets around the area. The proposed development will increase noise and antisocial behaviour by introducing 14 people into a small space, in tiny living quarters.
“The development appears to be a hostel that will attract tenants living transiently, rather than being part of the community. Noise disturbances are common for HMOs like this and the tiny size of the accommodation for the volume of tenants is even more likely to cause significant disturbance to those living both in the building and nearby.
“The size of the bedrooms proposed can only fit single beds with little else, they are smaller than hotel rooms. This development to let tiny bedrooms out at scale is not in keeping with the neighbourhood and removes a useful amenity (the shop that would be demolished as part of this development). The mobility shop has been useful to my family and its move pushed by this development is a real loss to the older and disabled community around here.”
Another objection, dated November 10, added: “There is limited parking in this area already, and there is no way this building is suitable for 14 HMOs. We shouldn’t be encouraging landlords and developers to create inhumane living spaces that cost ridiculous amounts. We should be looking at rent control and building suitably sized homes at an affordable cost in this area.”
The deadline for comments on the planning portal is November 25. The application can be found here.