HMO row Conversion plan approved despite housing market impact fears

CONVERTING family houses into homes of multiple occupation is worsening Bristol's housing, councillors have warned.

- Alex SEABROOK

But they claim there is little they can currently do about it - even if there is huge local opposition.

Councillors this week approved plans to turn a family home into a massive shared house for up to nine people. A terraced house at 87 Wick Road in Brislington with three bedrooms will be turned into a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO), including three double bedrooms.

The vote was tied as Green councillors said this sort of accommodation is "worsening the housing crisis" in Bristol. In several parts of the city, developers are buying up family homes and converting them into HMOs, as they can charge much higher rents.

The plans were approved by councillors on the development control B committee on Wednesday. This is the second time the plans had come before the committee, after councillors raised concerns about noise complaints last February and a lack of sound insulation.