Listed building HMO application rejected

The developers wanted to rent the building out to students

Plans to turns a city centre listed building into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) have been rejected.

Sunderland City Council turned down the application for four residential apartments to become a six-bed HMO at the property on Frederick Street in the city's Hendon ward.

It said the development would be "detrimental" to the character of the area and it had taken into consideration worries over anti-social behaviour.

The applicant has the right to challenge the council's decision by lodging an appeal with the Secretary of State.

The developers had previously said that the HMO would create additional accommodation for the city's students, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In a decision report, council planners said the planned HMO use would "fail to enhance and function well within its proposed surroundings" and would be "detrimental to the amenity of the local residents and the character of the area".