Controversial plans to transform a Newcastle block into bedsits have sparked fury from residents.
Plans approved by Newcastle City Council will turn 391 Benton Road into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) made up of 14 bedsits. The space, which sits above a busy shopping parade near Four Lane Ends Metro Station, will feature communal kitchens and a lounge.
However, those living in the popular residential area have raised concerns over who will be living above the busy shopping parade. A petition opposing the development has been launched by worried resident Joanne Ketteringham who fears that it may attract people released from prison or on bail.
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However, Newcastle City Council has confirmed that the site will not become a bail hostel as this would require a separate planning application.
More than 1,000 people have signed the petition in less than 24 hours with many residents expressing their fury at the plans for the bedsits, claiming they had not been widely advertised among those living in the area.
The plans were submitted by Anthony Lang in November last year.
The petition states: "It has come to light that plans have been put forward to develop the space at 391 Benton Road into a building of houses of multiple occupancy. These plans have been shrouded in secrecy with most residents appearing to know nothing about it."
It continued: "Had the residents known about this, we would have opposed the plans which have indeed been opposed by Northumbria Police on the grounds of potential antisocial behaviour and safeguarding concerns. I invite you to sign this signature to protect our residents in what is a family area."
Speaking to Chronicle Live, petition founder Joanne Ketteringham, 43, said she was concerned about the impact the HMO would have on the community. The mum-of-five and nursery nurse lives close to the development but said that she was not informed by the council of the plans before they were approved.
"It is not the area for something like that," she said.
"It is a residential area with schools and businesses. The first I heard about it was three days ago.
"Residents want more transparency from the council on what they are planning before putting something through without consulting anybody. I am concerned about the impact of the HMO on the area with regards to safety, safeguarding schools, crime and people loitering around the shops."
Joanne also raised concerns with parking issues, noise levels and the impact it might have on house prices in the area.
The petition, which has been widely shared among residents' Facebook groups, has attracted comments from many people opposing the plans. One resident said: "Definitely don’t want that on our doorstep." While another said: "Shocking."
Another commented on the petition saying: "We need more information and openness about the proposed plans. Why do the community not know about this, and why have the locals not been consulted?"
Northumbria Police also raised objections to the plans before they were approved. In a document submitted to the council during the consultation process, the force raised concerns that it could lead to antisocial behaviour and increased crime.
In their statement police said: "Northumbria's position regarding HMO's is that whilst they serve a housing function, comparative to the size of their sector they can generate a disproportionate amount of calls for service and crime. Accordingly, we have concerns where their cumulative impact impacts on residential amenity and undermines the sustainability of the community."
The force also raised concerns over the HMO having just one entry point and said plans were "over-ambitious" to accommodate 14 people.
They continued: " Northumbria Police have consistently expressed concerns over developments which provide HMO accommodation. Experience has shown that they can encourage anonymity and disconnection and in extreme cases, foster elements of criminality and exploitation."
Newcastle City Council said that the approved HMO plans had met the "stringent criteria set by the planning authority" as it stressed that it would not be turned into a hostel housing offenders.
A Newcastle City Council spokeswoman said: “Planning permission was granted conditionally for 391 Benton Road to be converted from offices to a house of multiple occupancy on 28 March 2022. The permission granted does not allow this property to become a hostel.
"If the owner wished to covert it to a hostel, it would require a new planning application with further consultation.
“The application was granted following due process which includes statutory and non-statutory consultations, such as informing neighbouring properties and on-site notices. Two objections were received, which were fully considered under the planning process before a final decision was made.”
To view the petition click here and to see the plans click here.
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