Police to oppose 122-bed HMO plans at former Portland Hotel

CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSALS HAVE ALSO BEEN CRITICISED BY A NUMBER OF LOCAL COUNCILLORS

- By ANDREW SPENCE

PLANS to convert the former Portland Hotel into a 122-bed HMO are set to be opposed by Humberside Police.

The controversial proposals, which remain under consideration at Hull City Council, have also been criticised by a number of local councillors.

In June, the council received an planning application seeking to breathe new life into the vacant building in Paragon Street in Hull city centre. The submitted plans detail applicant Knight Wood Portfolio Limited's ambitions to transform the “eyesore” building into a colossal 122-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The 122 rooms would be split across six floors, with “generous kitchen facilities” at “several locations on each floor,” according to plans. In addition to the kitchen areas, each bedroom would be fitted with its own kitchenette area.

The application also includes giving the building's exterior a much-needed facelift. Such improvement would include a refurbished tiling at the lower levels of the building's façade.