Plans for new HMO set for approval despite parking objections

Plans to create a house in multiple occupation (HMO) on the edge of Wrexham city centre look set to go ahead despite parking concerns.

An application was submitted in May this year to convert a family home on Hampden Road into a three-bed HMO.

The proposals are due to be discussed by Wrexham Council’s planning committee next week.

Members of Offa Community Council have objected to the scheme after claiming it would add to parking problems in the area, with no off-road parking available for residents.

However, the local authority’s chief planning officer has recommended the development for approval.

David Fitzsimon said in a report that the property was located in a “sustainable location” where tenants can make use of public transport.

He said: “The property is located within relatively easy walking distance to Wrexham city centre, where there is access to a range of services and public transport.

“As such, it is considered to be a sustainable location where occupants would not necessarily be reliant on car ownership to meet their everyday needs.

“The existing dwelling does not have any off-road parking and it is accepted that the required off-road parking standards cannot be met by the proposed development.

“Planning guidance acknowledges that in sustainable locations, it may be appropriate to provide fewer parking spaces, in recognition of the decreased reliance on private cars for certain journeys.”

He added: “Whilst visiting the area in the evening (after 6pm) the council’s highways officer observed 12 on-street parking spaces along Hampden Road, 8 on-street parking spaces along Edward Street and 14 on-street parking spaces along Poyser Street.

“Having regard to the above, it is unlikely the proposed development would result in significant additional traffic generation, parking demand or road safety concerns within the area.”

No external changes are proposed to the property, with only internal alterations planned to provide a third bedroom on the ground floor.

The application will be decided by councillors when they meet at Wrexham’s Guildhall on Monday (October 7, 2024).

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter