Bedsit block set for green light as East Cliff residents warn: “don’t turn us into Boscombe” (From Bournemouth Echo)

Bedsit block set for green light as East Cliff residents warn: “don’t turn us into Boscombe”

2:47pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Julie Magee

PLANS for another bedsit block in Bournemouth look set to be given the green light, despite objections from the police and local residents.

Civic planners are being recommended to grant permission for the conversion of a detached home at 29 Carlton Road into a house in multiple occupation.

In a report to Monday’s planning board, principal planning officer Barry Carse says: “It is unlikely that the intensity of use would be at such a level that it would be harmful to the occupants of the houses on either side.

“Furthermore, occupation of a single building by up to six persons would certainly not be out of keeping with the character of an area where many buildings have already been converted to several flats.”

He adds: “It is therefore considered that refusal of the application would not be justified in terms of its impact upon the character of the area and the amenities currently enjoyed by the occupants of neighbouring properties.”

However, his sentiments are not shared by Dorset Police who have objected to the application on the grounds that another HMO could increase crime levels in the area.

Five letters of objection have been sent to the town hall citing concerns including increased car parking problems, noise disturbance and the loss of a family home.

East Cliff ward councillor Michael Filer has called in the application. He said: “This is a delightful area with lovely old-fashioned hotels which have had their own clientele for decades.

“We should be doing all we can to preserve this part of old Bournemouth.

“We are concerned that the problems of Boscombe are moving into this area.

“HMOs have had a poor effect on other areas of the town and we don’t want the same to happen here.”