Farnworth: Ruling on latest Higher Market Street HMO bid

In April this year Bolton Council planning officers refused a plan to turn storage space at a vacant shop on Higher Market Street, Farnworth into a 14-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Now a new proposal to create a four-bedroom HMO on the same street has also been refused, with council officers saying it would “fail to provide satisfactory living conditions.”

A Bolton Council report said: “It is considered that the shared nature of the rear garden with the ground floor use does not provide a sufficient private amenity space for general use such as clothes drying, bin storage and cycle storage.

“Housing Standards has been consulted and they have advised that the proposed layout is not suitable for a House in Multiple Occupation due to fire safety standards.

The plans have been rejected by Bolton Council (Image: F&P Architects)

“They also note that the kitchen/diner is not large enough for a four person HMO and does not meet standards discussed above relating to room sizes.

“They also note there is no proposals relating to the storage and collection of waste created by the HMO.”

It added: “It is noted that Greater Manchester Police has raised concerns about the potential vulnerability of future occupants to criminality or anti-social behaviour should they be required to access the property from the rear.

“Consequently, the proposed access would not be suitable for occupants in terms of safety and security from crime or anti-social behaviour.”

The increasing number of bids to create HMOs all across Bolton has been a cause of concern for both residents and their elected officials in recent months and years.

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Concerns have been raised about overcrowding, traffic congestion and the possible effects on anti-social behaviour.

The previous attempt to create a 14-bedroom on Higher Market Street was rejected by council officials in April, having been lodged a year previously.

Council planning officials felt that it would “result in a detrimental impact on the living conditions of the neighbouring residents.”

The most recent bid to create the four bedroom HMO was lodged on Tuesday October 10 this year, with the decision to refuse it released on Tuesday December 5.