Too many multiple occupancy homes ‘creating ghettos’ in Goole

INCREASING numbers of multiple occupancy homes are “ghettoising” parts of an East Riding town, it has been claimed.

Hundreds of people are now living in more than 100 HMOs (homes of multiple occupancy) in Goole, only a third of which are licensed.

The latest application to convert a Victorian semi-detached home on Colonels Walk into nine bedrooms has run into opposition from neighbours and the town council, concerned about noise from tenants working late-night shifts, extra rubbish and problems parking.

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A previous application to build a first-floor extension and dormers to the front and rear was withdrawn in June.

The current plans will fit in four bedrooms on the ground floor with a shower room and kitchen, three more on the first floor with two shower rooms and a lounge and two bedrooms in a new dormer in the roof.

Coun Keith Moore said: “We are talking about Victorian terraced properties where their capacity is being doubled and trebled. It pulls down the value of properties and it is ghettoising parts of the town where there are large concentrations.”

Coun Moore has called in
the application so it can be
heard in public at a meeting at County Hall, Beverley, on September 2.

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Planners accept there can be problems where too many properties are let to short term tenants. But they say the threshold hasn’t been met in this case and are recommending the application for approval, saying it is a “reaction to market demand”.

Meanwhile, developer David Wilson Homes has submitted plans to Harrogate Borough Council for 143 homes on the former police training college site on Yew Tree Lane in Pannal Ash, Harrogate. The application also involves converting buildings to provide eight apartments. It will be considered later this year.