PLANS to convert a vacant shop building and the flat above into a HMO have been hit with objection by neighbours.

As previously reported by the Warrington Guardian, proposals have been drawn up for a change of use from vacant shop and flat to a six-bed HMO in Orford.

This is along with a rear dormer extension and external alterations to the property, which sits on the corner of Gorsey Lane and Quebec Road

It comes after residents in Burtonwood objected to an application to turn a terraced home into a HMO, but Warrington Borough Council gave its consent for the scheme to progress.

A number of applications for HMOs, or houses of multiple occupation, have been submitted and approved in Warrington over recent months.

One concerned resident, who lives opposite the proposed Orford accommodation, said that they only knew about the application after reading it in the Warrington Guardian.

They said they received no notice from the council or applicant, but finally they were notified shortly before this story was published.

“We have seen various people entering the terrace over the past two months, yet no one has posted through or knocked on doors, or informed any of the community about anything that is proposed for the property,” they said.

“Looking at how all objections from residents in Burtonwood against HMO conversions were ignored, it concerns us greatly that the council will just ride rough shot and approve this development in our road.

“If you know the road, you will be aware of how over congested and saturated it already is with people, traffic and parking, and we already have HMOs on the road with multiple cars.

“We also have massive congestion from Rylands Football Club to the rear of our house, which is an absolute nightmare with weekend fixtures, children’s matches and coaching.”

With one exit and entry onto Gorsey Lane, the resident says the road is often blocked, and road rage occurs ‘constantly’, as it is with school traffic from St Benedict’s.

“The proposed conversion to this terraced property is madness, with the possibility of an additional six to 12 people in the one terrace, along with possibly another six to 12 cars for those residents,” they continued.

“There is no parking on the road at the best of times, and 108 is a corner terrace, with double yellow lines to the front and side, hence no parking directly outside.

“This is a stupid proposal, and at the end of the day, these conversions are not about cheap rent to benefit residents – they are all about maximum return for the smallest of outlay.

“Also, who will the tenants be? Will it be for housing migrants who are currently billeted in numerous hotels in Warrington? As lots of converted HMOs are housing migrants.

“We have lived in the road for more than 30 years, and it really does pee me off when you see, such as this, a proposed development without any consideration for residents or the area.

“I have sent my objection to the council and am in the process of hopefully compiling a list of names for objection.”

In planning documents, applicant LDT Property Development said: “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.”

To view the application, visit warrington.gov.uk quoting reference 2024/01147/FUL.