Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
A meeting of Bury’s planning committee deliberated on a retrospective application to create a HMO at Bolton Road, Bury, close the junction with Glenboro Avenue.
The meeting heard from a senior planning officer, who told councillors: “We received a complaint to our enforcement team.
“It was only when we were able to get inside the property we were able to see that it was a nine-bed HMO.
“In terms of retrospective applications, we all accept they are not ideal but we have to asses them under the same planning policies as if the work had not been carried out yet.”
After enforcement officers gained entry to the premises, an application received from applicant Jaguar Paw Properties Ltd, for a eight-bed
shared house, with more communal space than the nine-bed conversion that had been completed.
The meeting heard from an objector to the proposals. He said: “This is a retrospective application and its already caused issues with damage and noise.
“It’s clear to me that the intention from the get-go was for a nine-bed HMO. When questioned it was said that it’s permitted development for six bedrooms.
“We’ve had six months of constant work from 7am to 8.30pm. After a formal complaint was lodged and the council did a right of entry into the property it turned out it was a nine-bedroom HMO.
“This application, now for an eight-bed HMO, went in two days after being caught. It’s devalued the area and it’s devalued our property.”
Bury West ward councillor Shahbaz Arif, also spoke to oppose the plans.
He said : “I want to reflect the strong concerns raised by residents.
“An eight-bed HMO is simply too large and unsuited for the location. It represents clear over development in a quiet family area.
“The work was done without permission, allowing approval like this sends the wrong message that an applicant can act first and ask later.”
A representative of the applicant, said: “This application is recommended for approval.
“The application has seen the number of bedrooms and occupants reduced from nine to eight and more communal space created inside and out.
“The house is currently operating as a six-bed HMO. The applicant is allowed to do so under permitted development rights.
“The applicant has ensured soundproofing along three floors of party walls.
“Currently the house is providing living space for NHS nurses. The applicant is also a member fo the good landlord charter.”
Members of the committee voted to approve the application for an eight-bed HMO.
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