56 Grove Park, in Bury St Edmunds, to become six-bedroom HMO

A semi-detached home in a town will become a six-bedroom HMO despite concerns from residents in its street.

West Suffolk Council approved the plans from Mr E Balaam, of Suffolk Property Group, to convert 56 Grove Park into a house of multiple occupation.

The proposals include some refurbishment of the inside as well as adding en suite bathrooms to the bedrooms.

The bedrooms would be spread equally across the ground and first floor – three on each – and have a shared kitchen/diner facility and utility room on the lower level.

Before the changes, the property had four designated bedrooms.

Five representations from residents in two Grove Park properties were received over the course of the application.

They cited issues over the potential removal of a covenant protecting Grove Park residents, it impacting an already ‘diabolical’ parking situation in the street, a loss of privacy and potential disturbances.

Planners said the proposals complied with policy and represented a lawful development.