A TERRACED village home has been given the go-ahead to be converted into a HMO – and a former shop building could soon follow.

Plans have been approved by Warrington Borough Council for a proposed change of use from a regular, two-bedroom house to a four-bedroom HMO, or house of multiple occupation.

The site subject to the bid by applicant JS Exclusive Properties Ltd is a two-storey mid-terrace property, number 16 Fairclough Street in Burtonwood.

Residents submitted 11 letters of objection highlighting concerns regarding parking, more traffic in the village, road safety, noise, anti-social behaviour and crime, waste management and a detrimental impact on property values along the street.

Others said that the house should be prioritised for first-time buyers or families rather than an HMO, that HMOs are not suitable for Burtonwood as it is a family area, and that this may lead to more HMOs along the street and in Burtonwood.

Ward councillor Kevin Burgess also objected, stating that there are now a number of HMOs in Burtonwood with difficulties with parking, created by the additional cars.

In granting permission, the council said: “The proposed development would comply with the criteria of permitted development.

“It is therefore recommended that a lawful development certificate for the proposed development is granted.”

A separate application has also been submitted by LDT Property Development for an empty shop building on the corner of Gorsey Lane and Quebec Road in Orford.

This is also for a change of use from vacant shop and the flat above to a six-bed HMO, along with a rear dormer extension and external alterations.

Documents state: “The building has been vacant for some time, but its past use is believed to be a music shop on the ground floor with a two-bed flat for managers above.

“In order to accommodate the six beds, there is there is the need for a flat roof rear dormer extension.

“There is a requirement to alter some of the existing external openings to accommodate the new layouts, in order to allow the building to be read as residential building rather than commercial unit.”

They conclude: “The proposal makes use of an existing vacant building that is in need of repair and refurbishment.

“The proposals to convert to an existing vacant shop and flat above meet all planning policy requirements to convert to a much-needed HMO in this area of Warrington.”