6-person HMO conversion at 2 Hunter Street, South Shields

The proposed HMO conversion

Change of use from a dwelling to a six-person house in multiple occupation.

“250777 2 Hunter Street South Shields NE33 3AH Applicants: Kemela Livings Ltd Proposal: Change of use from C3 Dwelling to C4 HMO (6 persons) Declarations of Interest: None List of Speakers: J Crozier (Objector) D Appleton (Objector)”

Minutes

A site visit before the meeting

A site visit was carried out beforehand to view the site and consider the objections raised.

“A site visit was conducted on the 13 th March 2026. The site visit was carried out with the prior approval of the Chair. The need for the site visit in advance was to view the site and consider the objections to the proposals.”

Minutes

Who spoke against the scheme

Three objectors, one by statement read through a councillor, raised parking, antisocial behaviour and concern that bedrooms were maximised for profit.

Members' discussion

The Highway Authority had raised no objection; members discussed oversaturation of HMOs, room sizes, parking and impact on nearby businesses.

“A member raised concerns about oversaturation of HMOs in the area as well as some that were potentially larger as well. This was also noted by other members as well as the size of the rooms and the parking issues. They were also concerned about impact on businesses in the adjacent street.”

“A member queried why the Highway Authority wouldn’t object if there were such concerns. It was noted that the Highway Authority reviewed proposals based on the material impacts likely to arise.”

Minutes

The vote

The application was proposed for refusal and the committee voted unanimously to reject it.

“It was proposed by Cllr Ford and seconded by Cllr Davies that the application be refused. A vote was carried out with members voting unanimously in favour of refusing planning permission for the following agreed reason:”

Minutes

The reasons for refusal

Refusal was based on cumulative harm to the area's character and amenity, and an unacceptable impact on parking and highway safety.

“The Local Planning Authority considers that the proposed change of use to a House in Multiple Occupation would, as a result of the cumulative effects of such uses in the area, adversely impact on the character of the area and upon the amenity of existing occupiers, and have an unacceptable impact on parking and highway safety in the area, contrary to Policy DM1 of the South Tyneside Local Development Framework, Policy 16 of the South Tyneside Publication draft Local Plan and…”

Minutes