OBJECTIONS have been raised to plans to convert a hotel and guest house into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).

As previously reported by the Star, O'Rourke-Designs submitted proposals to convert Park View Guest House and Hotel on Prescot Road into a 16-bedroom HMO last month.

The 19-bedroom Victorian building was listed for auction at a guide price of £525,000 back in June, and following its sale, O'Rourke Design's planning application was submitted on behalf of Raymond Guy, from Huyton.

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Plans

In St Helens, planning permission is required for HMOs that house more than six people and for the conversion of commercial properties.

The application, which can be viewed here, contains an application form outlining the basic plans. The proposals aim to convert the 19 bedroom hotel into a 16 bedroom HMO with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.

There are no plans to change the external area of the guest house, with ten parking spaces to remain.

The HMO application follows a trend of submissions in St Helens, with the properties often used to help meet housing demands and offer cheaper alternatives than the private rental market.

However, HMOs can also be controversial and West Park is an area of St Helens where there are more than average numbers of HMOs. 

Objections

Following the formal submission of the Prescot Road plans, the application has attracted more than ten formal objections on the council's planning portal.

One resident believes that the HMO will "likely lead to a decrease in property values in the surrounding area" and a "change in neighbourhood character".

The resident also claimed that the proposed HMO will "exacerbate existing parking problems" and will result in "increased noise levels due to the higher number of occupants".

The resident further claimed that the HMO could lead to "overcrowding and inadequate waste management", and added that the "transient" nature of occupants may result in a reduction in the property's upkeep and maintenance.

Another neighbour stated that the building's previous use as a hotel and guest house had a "significant impact" on them and the proposed changes will impact their quality of life".

The resident's previous issues stem from the noise from people using and hanging around the side entrance, their privacy being "compromised" from  the large building's windows, and the "neglect" of the property and garden. 

A decision on the proposals is expected to be made by council planners by November 18.