Neighbors have criticized “crazy” plans to convert a former swimming pool into a shared house for ten people.
A planning application has been submitted to convert a house and pool building in Prestwich, Gtr Manchester, into a 10-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO).
The property on Grosvenor Street contains a children’s pool which would be demolished according to plans submitted to Bury Council.
However, residents are up in arms over the plans.
The developer claims it will be rented to young professionals, but residents fear bad tenants with cheaper rents will lead to anti-social behaviour.
Retired engineer Tom Dickinson, 73, was born in the house where he currently lives, next to the pool.
The property on Grosvenor Street contains a children’s pool which would be demolished according to plans submitted to Bury Council.
Retired engineer Tom Dickinson, 73, was born in the house where he currently lives, next to the pool.
The father-of-two said: ‘It’s a terrible idea.
‘Nowadays we shouldn’t have people living like this in such small spaces.
“I haven’t objected yet, but I certainly will.”
‘I really don’t think I should be here.
‘If there are 10 or even 20 people there, it could be a nightmare if they have cars.
‘There will be no room for more cars.
“It’s outrageous to have so many people in such a small building.
“It’s just wrong.”
Mum Gemma Bennett, 37, said: ‘I have young children and I’m really worried there will be more cars in the area.
‘This is a quiet family area and I would be worried if my children had more cars on the road.
“It’s just the wrong place for an HMO.”
Marian Tonge, 70, mother of two, said: ‘It’s crazy to have an HMO.
‘This is a quiet residential area, popular with families where children play.
‘The increase in traffic would be a real problem.
‘I lived next to an HMO and it was a nightmare.
‘There were junkies and all kinds of people causing all kinds of antisocial problems.
“The promoter states that they will be young professionals, but they will probably be people with social benefits.”
As he spoke, the promoter approached his van and Marian told him: ‘This is not popular around here.
‘I’ll tell you this: I will fight this until the day I die.
“I totally disagree with that.”
However, neighbors are angry about the plans for the pool (file image)
The developer, who did not want to give his name, told Mailonline: “There is a need to offer affordable, luxury accommodation in the area.”
‘I think the criticism arises because there is a stigma around HMOs.
‘Historically, some of them attracted the wrong kind of people.
“But there is no reason to automatically think there will be problems with antisocial behavior here.”
He added: “I want young professionals here and there will only be one person per room. And we won’t have ten cars here, we’ll make sure of that.”
The application says: “It is proposed to change the use of the property from a residential house and its incidental pool building to a large HMO.”
The property will accommodate 10 people, each with a bedroom for individual use.
‘This represents a net gain of four occupants from the reserve position.
‘End users can be students. Maybe not.
“More mixed HMO markets are forming, including social groups such as young professionals, international migrant workers, low-skilled workers, benefit recipients and divorcees.”
