Community overjoyed as HMO plans rejected after petition

THE decision by the council in South Tyneside to reject the proposal of an eight-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been met with joy by residents.

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The offer to convert 12 Surrey Street in Jarrow was met with backlash from the community, “90 letters of objection” and a petition which raised 1,312 signatures.

The petition was created by Gary Dodd from Jarrow, 39, whose in-laws live on the street, and felt that the idea for the HMO would not fit into the community and would increase issues for current residents such as noise, parking and overcrowding of the dwelling.

Whilst other HMOs have been given the green light in the area, Gateshead Council planning bosses rejected the proposals earlier this month.

Gary believes that it was the petition that helped ensure that the residents’ views were heard by the council, and was amazed at the reach which resulted in over a thousand signatures.