PLANS to convert a derelict family property into a student house have sparked a wave of objections from residents.

The application for the home in Hankinson Road has become the latest battleground for campaigners seeking to restrict the number of student properties in the Winton area of Bournemouth.

The three-bedroom property is uninhabitable in its current condition but the application seeks to modernise it and convert it into a shared house for up to four.

But local residents are objecting, claiming the area has reached “saturation point” in terms of the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). They want the council to refuse the application on the back of new legislation that seeks to restrict HMO numbers to 10 per cent.

Winton East Councillor Theo Stratton said HMO levels in the area were very high and any increase would create extra noise and disturbance for residents and put pressure on local amenities.

And Anson Westbrook, chair of the Winton Forum and a resident of Hankinson Road, said: “I’m totally and utterly opposed to this application.

“The council recently rejected two separate HMO applications in the Winton area and I would anticipate them carrying on in the same vein and rejecting this one.

“This road is next to Cardigan Road where probably 80 or 90 per cent of properties are student lets. We’ve got to prevent the whole of Winton becoming a ghetto area.”

The application has been made by Clarkes Estate Agents at the request of their client.

Proprietor Steve McCullough said: “Our client was not in a position to restore the property to a family home and needed our assistance to apply for a change of use. The purpose of the planning department is to control the use and development of the land and property in our town on behalf of our community.

“Thankfully our planning department is very effective in carrying out its duties to maintain a viable community for residents, businesses and tourists.

“I have faith in the planning application process and I have no doubt that the needs and views of the local residents and the applicant will be fully and fairly considered by the planning department.”