Objectors believe that a new House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Leigh would only add to a problems in a 'nightmare area for parking'. If approved, the plan is to flatten a building that currently operates as a takeaway in one unit and a hairdresser in the other and replace it with a five-bed HMO.
Applicant Osman Gulum wants to retain the retail units on Manchester Road and have the residential space on the first floor above the two shops. The bedrooms, which are also classed as living areas for the residents, would be nine square metres in size and have access to one kitchen and two bathrooms.
One of the 35 letters of objection sent into Wigan Council stated: "A major point of concern is the illegal parking of vehicles on the pedestrian crossing and the zig zag lines blocking people's driveways on a regular basis whilst visiting the two retail units.
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"The parking problem will only increase if the application is granted due to the increase in the number of residents. The authorities seem unable to control the illegal parking and there is a serious safety issue to both pedestrians and motorists which will increase of this application is granted."
Parking was a major issue flagged by nearby residents, with another letter saying "parking is already a nightmare around this area, especially with the school and York Street building site". They suggested that this was not fair to current tenants in the area.
Another neighbour suggested that knocking down the two shops would have a big impact on the local area as ‘both shops are valued to the local community’. The objector explained that they ‘provide services and jobs which would be lost due to the construction of the new property’.
Other concerns highlighted that the HMO could overlook neighbouring properties and impact traffic during the construction phase of the project. Shortage of parking, possible crime and anti-social behaviour, lack of demand for housing and impact on trees were also listed as potential problems by objectors.
There are four parking spots proposed in the development - which is the same as they had previously. However, there would be six cycle spaces erected if permission was granted.
Leigh South councillors John O’Brien, Kevin Anderson and Charles Rigby all made their representation on behalf of the residents in their ward, it read: “We are concerned that the inclusion of an HMO in the application may be detrimental to the neighbourhood which is generally a safe and settled place in which to live. There will also be a detrimental effect on existing businesses which have been established for many years.
“HMOs have had a detrimental effect on other areas of Leigh and this area of Leigh is unsuitable for one to be established in.”
A decision on the plans will be made by Wigan Council’s Planning Committee on January 17 at the town hall.
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