Residents object to converting bakery into HMO

The consultation period will run until 17 December

Residents have objected to plans to turn a former bakery and the flat above it into a nine-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The proposal, filed by Slough-based Banagher Properties Ltd, asks permission to convert 43 Brighton Street in Barrow, which was formerly Mitchell & Smith bakery.

Neighbours of the property have submitted letters of opposition to the planning team stating "the amount of HMOs in the area is unacceptable".

The applicant said the development would provide "high-quality accommodation" and as the building was not in use it would not result in the "loss of existing housing stock".

One statement lodged in opposition said: "The proposed change of use is an unneighbourly overdevelopment that lacks the necessary infrastructure to support nine adults.

"It will have a detrimental effect on highway safety and the living conditions of nearby residents.

"I urge the council to refuse this application."

Other complaints also highlight problems with parking near the site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Another statement from a resident in the street opposite states: "There are already too many in the area.

"I did not buy my house to live in this sad area."

The applicant said the development would provide "high-quality accommodation" and as the building was not in use it would not result in the "loss of existing housing stock".

The application states the previous bakery would have "generated greater parking demand than the proposed HMO".

The consultation period is set to run until 17 December.