Plan for multiple occupancy house in Hull turned down

Engineering consultants Alan Wood and Partners are planning to move to new offices

A plan to convert a Hull office block in to a house of multiple occupation (HMO) has been rejected.

The proposal would have seen the premises of Alan Wood and Partners on Beverley Road become a 32 bed property with a cinema and gym.

The application said it would provide affordable housing for professionals.

However, residents groups told the city council planning committee the area had too many properties in multiple occupancy.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the firm of engineering consultants is planning to move to a new purpose-built office due to expansion after occupying the building for more than 40 years.

In its application, Alan Wood and Partners said the conversion would transform the building into an asset for the area.

"It will combine affordable living, unrivalled recreational and business facilities, all within five minutes' walk of Hull city centre," the application said.

"The design of the accommodation and facilities are designed to encourage tenants to mix and socialise with others, utilising the gymnasium, dining and lounge room and cinema."

'Existing problems'

Norman Elwick, chair of the Newland Avenue Action Group, said local people wanted to see more developments for families to live there for the long term.

"This area of Beverley Road has seen an exodus of families in recent decades," he said.

"Increasing the population density creates the potential for increases in crime and disorder.

"There were 612 criminal offences committed in the nine streets surrounding this premises, 38% of them were violence against the person.

"We fear that this HMO will only compound existing problems in the area."