HMO gets go-ahead 'right next to historic monument'

CONTROVERSIAL PLANS HAVE BEEN APPROVED DESPITE CONCERNS FROM MANY RESIDENTS

- By NIGEL SLATER

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a house of multiple occupation (HMO) at a property in a Derby street have been approved despite deep concerns it is in the wrong place.

Residents and councillors pleaded with Derby City Council's planning committee to reject the proposals to change the use of a house on Marcus Street in Chester Green but they did not get their way.

Planning permission was requested by the applicant, known in documents as V Palanisamy, to convert the house from a normal family home into shared accommodation for students and professionals with five bedrooms.

The “irregular shaped” house stands at one end of Marcus Street, which is the site of a Roman well.

The house has two entrances one at the front and the other a shared entrance at the side facing an alleyway, which is understood to be the main door to access the property and is used by several households.

More than 40 objections to the plans were received from nearby residents and local councillors against the proposal.

There were concerns that the pedestrianised street already puts parking pressure on nearby streets and these plans will make the situation worse.