HMO proposal could destroy area, residents say

Residents are objecting to plans to extend a house of multiple occupants, arguing student homes are "destroying St John's".

Proposals have been put forward to Worcester City Council to expand an existing house of multiple occupation (HMO) at Woodstock Road from six to eight bedrooms.

The applicant said no significant building work would be involved and stressed the plan is not to add a new HMO to the area.

St John's residents claim to have seen many similar applications in recent years and are worried about the cumulative effect the increase of student housing is having on the area.

Dozens have objected to the latest proposal.

Marc Ward described Woodstock road as "already full to bursting point due to houses of multiple occupation".

Proposed plans do not explicitly say the rooms would be for students but do state how the site is within a "close proximity" to the university.

It currently has two parking spaces for six bedrooms and proposes adding a further one space, meaning it would have three spaces for a total of eight bedrooms.

Neighbour Natalie Green said the application would "massively impact" the area.

"Unless there are enough parking spaces for each resident, this application should be declined. HMOs are destroying St John's," she said.

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