A FORMER dentist’s surgery could be converted into bedsits.

A planning application seeking permission to change the use of the building, in Bolton Road, Farnworth, has been submitted to Bolton Council.

If approved, it would become a house of multiple occupancy — or HMO — for eight people.

It is the latest in a string of applications for HMO conversions in Farnworth, including one in Park Street which was recently refused by Bolton Council’s planning committee.

Critics say the bedsit conversions concentrate too many people in one building, leading to problems with parking, refuse collection and noise.

And the transient nature of most tenants is often cited as being a hindrance to community cohesion.

Farnworth councillor Jean Gillies, who spoke against the Park Street plans, said she would also oppose David Thompson’s proposals for the former dentist’s surgery.

She said: “I’m totally opposed to HMOs especially when they are difficult to control, we have policies in place around them as I have said at planning committee before.

“I think Farnworth has been hit very heavily with HMOs, we have had three now we have turned down”

Cllr Gillies believes applicants see Farnworth as “an easy target” for HMOs,

“They think we will just sit back and take it, but it’s just not acceptable at all. It’s the amount of people in one property, the amount of disturbance it can cause and the amount of rubbish. It’s the impact it has on residents as well, and their quality of life.”

But Farnworth and Kearsley First’s Cllr Maureen Flitcroft said there was sometimes a place for HMOs.

She added: “It is a needed form of housing, but when you get too many in one small area , it takes away from the community, that’s my belief.

“I’m not sure if there are any HMOs around this one, that would be a negative. But the fact it was not residential before means it’s not like taking away a home, it’s giving back.”

Mr Thompson could not be contacted for comment.