Decision on 122-bed HMO delayed over concerns

The former Portland Hotel, in Paragon Street, closed in 2012

A decision on whether to approve plans to convert a former hotel into a six-storey house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been delayed.

The former Portland Hotel, in Paragon Street, Hull, would have 122 bedrooms with kitchenettes, according to the proposal by Knight Wood Portfolio Limited, a London-based developer.

Humberside Police lodged an objection to the plans and raised concerns about security and the potential for an increase in violence.

Avison Young, the agent for the applicant, asked for a delay in order to work with the police to "resolve their objection". A decision is due to be made on 1 October.

"We believe that there is a misunderstanding around the level of management associated with the development, alongside the numerous safety measures proposed which warrant clarification and further discussion," the agent stated ahead of a meeting of Hull City Council's planning committee last Wednesday.

The hotel, the first in Hull to be given four stars by the AA, closed in 2012.

Knight Wood has proposed creating communal areas, shared kitchen facilities, a gym and cinema room, in addition to the bedrooms, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Under the plans, the building would also be given a facelift.

'Strong objection'

In a letter of objection, Humberside Police pointed to academic research suggesting "a proliferation of HMOs can in part increase the potential for violence due to the particular stresses and insecurities of living in low-quality, crowded accommodation".

Emma Hardy, the MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, has also voiced her "strong objection" to the proposals.

"The city centre does need regenerating and part of that regeneration should include good-quality, affordable accommodation," she wrote in a letter to the council.

"What it does not need are proposals to cram as many people as possible into the available space."

The developer previously said it wanted to "breathe new life" into the vacant property and described it as an "eyesore".

An application document states that the 122 bedrooms would be "well designed and comfortable HMO rooms".

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