Horwich residents raise concerns over proposed HMO development

On Monday, April 6, more than a dozen neighbours gathered outside 171 Victoria Road, holding signs reading: “Say no to HMO.”

Planning application details were published by Bolton Council on March 17, following a submission on March 11 for the HMO.

The proposal seeks a change of use from a dwelling house to a three-bedroom HMO.

However, many neighbours are unhappy with the idea.

Colin Adamson, 52, who lives next door, said the development has already had an impact on him.

He told The Bolton News: “The house was bought and completed in December last year.

“As soon as completion took place, at 7am on Boxing Day morning, they started work on it.

“The work has continued every single day, sometimes starting as early as 4am in the morning.

“I’ve even heard them working right into the night, it has been so antisocial.”

"Say no to HMO" (Image: kpcphotomail@gmail.com)

Colin and other neighbours have raised concerns that the property may have undergone conversion work before planning permission was granted.

They say this work may fall under the Article 4 Direction currently in force across Bolton.

Bolton Council introduced a borough-wide Article 4 Direction requiring planning permission for all new small HMOs (for three to six occupants), removing previous permitted development rights.

This means applications must be submitted to convert family homes into HMOs.

Colin said that residents had alerted Bolton Council to the situation prior to the formal submission of the planning application.

“I understand that having HMOs in the surrounding area is a necessity,” he said.

“However, there are places where HMOs would be more suitable.

“Where we live in Horwich, there is very restricted parking, making it difficult to park.”

Colin also expressed worry about the wider impact on the neighbourhood.

“Everybody has the right to live somewhere, but this is a family-orientated area.

“I don’t think a HMO would be a suitable match or good fit for the terrace property.”

He said that, to date, 15 reported objections have been submitted to Bolton Council.

"Say no to HMO" (Image: kpcphotomail@gmail.com)

Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and severely sight-impaired, Colin said the effect of the works has been an “absolute a nightmare”.

“I’ve not been able to sleep properly or relax at home.

“It’s a constant worry about what’s going to happen in the future.”

According to Bolton Council’s website, the applicant is COGA Properties Ltd, a private limited company incorporated in July 2025, with a registered office in Harlow.

The agent for the application is AGF Plans, an architectural design firm based in Westhoughton.

The Bolton News has contacted both COGA Properties Ltd and AGF Plans for comment.

The neighbour consultation period for the application expires on April 8.