Plans approved for a home in Trecenydd to become a four-bed HMO. Concerns raised about HMO density and parking.
The council approved D2 Propco Ltd’s plan. The property is now a three-bedroom home, which will become an HMO with private bedrooms where residents share kitchens and bathrooms. The old dining room will become a bedroom.
Parking and bike storage are planned at the side and back, and a shared driveway will provide access. The planning meeting occurred on February 12, where Councillor Greg Ead voiced some worries.
Greg Ead, representing Penyrheol, Trecenydd, and Energlyn, questions HMOs in that area and mentioned the parking area access. Councillor Kristian Woodland inquired about local HMO numbers.
The council sets limits on HMOs per area because too many HMOs can strain neighborhoods, making parking and bin collections difficult. Lorna Berrow spoke about the Welsh Government’s view.
The Welsh Government sees 10% as a “tipping point,” where too many HMOs exist. She said there are three HMOs nearby now, which constitutes only 0.1% of homes in that locality.
Smaller HMOs do not need council registration, so the council does not know the exact HMO number. Only large HMOs need licenses; these are three stories tall and must house five or more people. The committee voted to approve the change by a vote of 14-2.