Bedsits plan is thrown out over anti-social behaviour fears

Neil Larkin, of Zing Ltd, Whitehills Business Park, had sought planning permission to convert premises on Boscombe Road from a care home to a nurses’ home or a house of multiple occupation (HMO).

But the scheme for the 13-bedroomed property was refused by Blackpool Council planners after objections from neighbours who raised concerns about issues including noise and parking.

The application was judged to contravene policies aimed at improving the quality of housing in the resort.

A report by planners says: “In the Blackpool context, there is a pattern of behaviour associated with high density HMOs and one bed flats, particularly where management is off-site.

“The occupants tend not to be from the local area and are hugely transient and with chaotic lifestyles and social problems.

“Patterns of negative behaviour associated with HMOs include noise from within the premises and noise outside when occupants gather in the front garden or on the street.”

But a management statement submitted by the applicant said the rooms were of a generous size and tenants would be told of their responsibilities in relation to residing at the property.

It adds: “Demand for the accommodation has been identified by the applicant in the course of his normal business. While the properties 19 and 21 are largely constructed and laid out separately they are connected internally at ground floor and will be managed as a single unit.

“A management plan is attached covering the elements required by the council.

“The applicant has an established track record in the provision of student accommodation, for example most recently at 54/58 Raikes Parade.”

The council has introduced a number of policies to control the spread of HMOs, particularly the conversion of failed guest houses in the central areas of the resort.