NEW plans to convert homes to house rough sleepers have been submitted by Bournemouth council.

The proposals are part of the authority's homelessness strategy, and the new houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) would provide temporary accommodation for homeless people who can demonstrate a connection to the town.

One is at 24 Garfield Avenue in Springbourne, where the council is seeking permission from its planning board for a joint HMO and standard residential use.

A report by officers says: "Minor internal alterations would enable this property to be used as a single C3 dwelling or as a small four bed HMO offering the council flexibility in the type of family accommodation it can provide in order to meet its increasing and pressing statutory obligations and duties in respect of homelessness."

Two residents have filed objections. One, Tracy Smith of Garfield Road, wrote: "I myself have lived here for 40 years and have found over the last few years our only problems are traffic and parking.

"I don't want to add more problems on top with more noise, disruption, rubbish, drugs, alcohol etc and I'm sure the residents will feel the same.

"I understand housing is in demand but finding a quieter area in Bournemouth would be a better suggestion the Springbourne."

A second home is at 23 Irving Road, a former bed and breakfast which has been used as a family home since the 1990s. The council states that this use is "unauthorised", but since the property has been paying council tax rather than business rates since 2009 it has been lawfully used as a "large dwelling".

Its plans, if approved, will see the building house 12 people with shared facilities.

The council has withdrawn a bid to convert another properly for the same purpose.

The plan to turn a former care facility for people with mental health issues at 56 Lowther Road into an HMO had attracted several objections from residents and a 'call-in' for discussion by ward councillor Cheryl Johnson.

Last year the council announced it would invest some £11.7 million in buying 110 homes across the borough in a bid to tackle homelessness.

Cllr Bob Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said: "This will help us meet our legal obligation to try and help homeless people get back onto the right path.

"Normally we would put them in bed and breakfast accommodation but it can be expensive and is not ideal for families.

"By purchasing houses we can help people become part of society again."

Cllr Lawton said the latest figures (November) showed a drop in homelessness in the town, against the national trend.

"Not all the people on the street are homeless, but all these people receive visits from council services and newcomers are quickly picked up," he said.