An application for a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Kensington that drove a tenant to tears before being rejected is to be heard by Liverpool Council for a second time.
Just two months ago, James Jones gave an emotional testimony about life living around Molyneux Road as plans were debated for a seven-bedroom HMO above a former hairdresser’s salon. Proposals submitted by INM Properties Ltd hoped to install seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, two shared kitchens and a communal living room across the three floors.
Mr Jones, who lives in the upper flat above the proposed HMO, became emotional when addressing councillors about his experiences, explaining how he had “put up with a hell of a lot of night-time drinking” and said parking around the site was a “disaster.” A tearful Mr Jones added: “I just want to live in peace.”
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The objection was supported by ward councillor Liam Robinson, who described the application as “quite frankly completely unacceptable” and motivated by “greed.” The application was rejected and as a result will now go before the planning committee again, recommended for approval.
Cllr Robinson told the ECHO ahead of the application being considered again that he was "disappointed" it was being recommended for approval but there were many "strong" reasons for the HMO being rejected and would seek to make that point again. The plan had initially been rejected based on concerns around highway impact and parking, impact on residential amenity for neighbouring properties, and living conditions within the premises.
The September planning report detailed how other properties within the terrace are all single dwelling houses and the surrounding area is residential in character with a variety of houses, flats and HMOs. The amended property would be accessed via an existing doorway on Esher Road while the shopfront on Molyneux Road will be removed and reinstated with brickwork.
The new report ahead of next week’s meeting said it would be entirely legitimate for members not to accept the recommendation for approval “provided that an appropriately explained case is presented to justify the reasons for refusal. In this instance, the Interim Chief Planning Officer maintains that the proposal is a legitimate form of development for the site.”
Councillors are also expected to give the go-ahead for an increase in units of supported accommodation from 17 to 22 at a YMCA facility on Lister Road. The site comprises a large semi-detached Victorian villa used to provide 17 supported service units to people experiencing homelessness and, operated by YMCA Together.
While concerns were raised by Kensington and Fairfield ward councillors Liam Robinson, Wendy Simon and Sue Walker, the local authority’s interim planning officer deemed the proposed increase “acceptable in order to provide transitional support to five additional homeless people at a time of urgent need for such housing.” Both applications are expected to be heard when the planning committee meets on Tuesday.
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