Plans to build 10-bed HMO in Shrewsbury approved despite 142-signature petition

A proposal to build a 10-bed HMO on the site of disused garages in Shrewsbury was submitted to Shropshire Council in November last year. 

Shrewsbury-based business Creative Planning submitted the plans to demolish the garages behind White House Gardens in Ditherington on behalf of the applicant, Mr Laith Zaza.

The application argued that the 15 garages currently occupying the space are "no longer required" by the residents of White House Gardens and that the site "has previously been a spot for antisocial behaviour".

In their place, a 10-bedroom HMO would be built, along with four new attached garages.

The proposal quickly came under fire from some residents, who raised concerns about the number of bedrooms along with the possible increase of anti-social behaviour and parking problems.

"The site is not suitable for this kind of building or so many people in one place," wrote one objector, Mr King. 

A petition against the plans, which had accrued 142 signatures, was also submitted to the council.

"The scale of objection from local residents must be taken into account," wrote Shropshire Councillor Alan Mosley.

Shrewsbury Town Council also objected to the plans and asked for more information regarding the management of the HMO.

A spokesperson wrote: "The town council objects to this application given the level of detail in this application both in terms of construction and likely use and impact on the wider community. 

"This is a significant sized HMO which could have serious implications on the community, therefore future management arrangements needs to be forthcoming to reassure the community."

Not everyone was totally against the plans, however, with Mr Taylor writing: "The place is a right state and really could do with a fresh start."

"It has become a real eyesore," agreed Mrs Hughes, who added: "There's always something going on, whether it's rubbish being dumped or unsavoury activities. Not long ago, there was even an attempt to set the place on fire. The council really need to address this ongoing issue."

Ultimately, Shropshire Council's planning department ruled that the proposal "would not result in adverse impacts" on neighbours, sufficient enough to warrant the refusal of the application.

The full plans are available to view online on Shropshire Council's planning portal, using the reference: 24/04147/FUL