PLANS for a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) in Beechwood have been approved by Newport City Council, despite concerns.

The house, at 14 St Johns Road, is believed to have been operating as a HMO between 2015 and 2020 with a licence but without planning permission.

Concerns were also raised by residents and ward councillors about the application due to the amount of HMOs in the area. There are 19 properties within a 50-metre radius of 14 St Johns Road, three of which are HMOs.

A HMO is accommodation run by a private landlord, with bedrooms rented out to unrelated tenants who share facilities. All HMOs need a licence from the local authority.

The approval of this application takes the percentage of HMOs in the 50-metre radius of the property up to 16.6% – above the council’s recommended threshold of 10%.

In a planning committee meeting, held on Wednesday, February 2, Cllr James Clarke, who represents Malpas, said he “struggled” with the decision because of the high concentration of HMOs in the area.

Both Labour Beechwood ward councillors, Cllr Deb Davies and Cllr Mark Spencer, objected to the application due to concerns over the high concentration of HMOs in the area, the possible change in demographics, and parking.

Commenting on the application, one resident said: “The prospect of another HMO and the problems they bring is not welcomed.”

Cllr Deb Davies said:

“We are concerned that families are being forced to move away from this area and this will ultimately have an impact on local schools and other amenities, as properties are being rapidly purchased by developers who have also recognised the recent demographic change to the street and area.”

She added: “GPs in the area are already overworked and oversubscribed.”

The development will have six bedrooms – two of which will have ensuites, in addition to two bathrooms, two WCs and an open plan kitchen and living area.

There is no off-street parking at the property. The counncil’s Head of City Services said the parking shortfall is justified by the parking survey, which shows adequate on-street parking on neighbouring streets.

Three secure and covered cycle spaces are required as part of the development, in line with the council’s active travel guidelines.

The council considers the area a sustainable one, meaning it is close to public transport links and facilities. Therefore, residents would not need a private car.

Cllr Trevor Watkins, who represents Tredegar Park, said: “The public transport argument does not stand.”

Cllr Watkins added that residents who work early or late shifts would be restricted in their ability to use public transport.

Originally, the ground floor bedroom at the back of the house did not have a window, only a door for ventilation, which raised concerns for the council’s Head of Regulatory Services (HMO Licencing). The door has since been replaced with a window by the applicant.