Residents' objections help oust home plans

PLANS to develop a house in multiple occupation (HMO) near a town centre have been rejected after a backlash from residents.

- LEWIS SMITH

The plans to turn a residential property close to Neath town centre into a HMO were rejected by Neath Port Talbot Council at a planning meeting with more than a dozen residents in attendance.

Had the plans been approved, they would have seen a four-bedroom property in Ena Avenue turned into a shared property for six people, with internal alterations and the construction of a rear dormer extension.

The proposed works would have also included the provision of bike and bin storage areas within an existing garage structure.

However, locals said they opposed the development, with 84 people submitting representations of objection and an additional letter from Neath MS Jeremy Miles, who urged the committee to consider the issues raised.