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Plans to house more than 20 people in a Tranmere property were rejected by Wirral Council. Planning officers ruled the arrangement would create unsuitable living conditions.
The application wanted to convert 32 Westbank Road into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to 22 people, with five of the six bedrooms each housing a family of four and a sixth room accommodating two people. The property would have had just one shared kitchen .
Planning documents stated that having four people living in a bedroom provided 'high-quality residential accommodation' with 'generous' sized bedrooms. Each of the six rooms would have had its own ensuite.
However, the plans were called into question by residents and councillors. One occupant of the street, Katie Howie, signed a petition against the HMO and told The Local Democracy Reporting Service back in July that when she and her family moved there they "did not expect HMOs".
Prenton ward councillor Naomi Graham also raised serious concerns, saying: "The living conditions for possible future residents are my overriding concern." She also took issue with a perceived lack of car parking and cycle storage spaces in the proposals.
Birkenhead and Tranmere ward Councillor Pat Cleary expected the plans to be thrown out.
And well, they were. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Officers found the applicant had not demonstrated the kitchen was large enough to provide a dining table and suitable facilities for storing food, refrigeration and freezer space for all residents.
The report stated: "Given the bedrooms are not big enough for a dining table, it is assumed residents are expected to eat on their laps sitting on a bed, which is not considered to be a functional or healthy living environment."
Officers also were concerned about the narrow corridors and accommodating 22 residents in them, saying that many people in the space "may cause conflict."
The application was refused, with the council concluding the HMO "would result in unacceptable, cramped living conditions for the future occupants."
