PROPOSALS for the conversion of a property into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Liskeard has been approved despite the objections of neighbours and the adjacent care home.

The application concerns a property at 43 Higher Lux Street in Liskeard, with the application for its conversion being made by Elliot Homes SW Ltd.

It sought Cornwall Council’s planning approval to convert the end of terrace two-storey period house into a seven bedroom house of multiple occupation.

A house of multiple occupation is one where a property is split into multiple bedrooms, with a shared communal kitchen and bathroom. It is a type of development that is commonly used for provision of student accommodation and young people – with rent charged per bedroom as opposed to for an entire dwelling.

The applicant’s planning agent told Cornwall Council: “This development has the potential to deliver additional accommodation which would be affordable and suitable for young people / couples and single people.

“A large communal kitchen is provided and large utility room. Each bedroom is ensuite and they are all large good sized rooms with adequate light and outlook. Indeed the HMO has been designed in close collaboration with the Council’s HMO licensing team to ensure the property complies with the required standards.

“With regard to outdoor amenity space, an outdoor area is allocated to the rear of the building, furthermore the site lies within close walking distance to a number of public open spaces within the town.”

However, the proposals were met with vociferous objections by the property’s neighbours, including the care home which sits next door to it.

One of the objectors stated: “The introduction of a seven-bedroom HMO would inevitably increase the number of occupants, visitors, vehicles and day-to-day activity, resulting in a further cumulative increase in noise.

“I am particularly concerned about noise from people socialising outside, late-night arrivals and departures, doors slamming, deliveries, and the general comings and goings associated with a property occupied by multiple unrelated residents.

“I also have concerns regarding parking and highway safety. A seven-bedroom HMO is likely to generate additional vehicle ownership and demand for on-street parking. Higher Lux Street already experiences parking pressures, and further demand could increase congestion, make parking more difficult for existing residents and visitors, and potentially affect access along the street.”

A representative of the care home stated: “Beechlawn Residential care home is an established, vital community asset providing dedicated residential care for 42 elderly, frail, and highly vulnerable individuals. Many of these residents live with advanced dementia and severe cognitive impairments. Their safety, health, and cognitive stability rely entirely on a stable, peaceful, and highly predictable environment.

“We object to this development on two distinct levels: firstly, the fundamental incompatibility of the proposed use next to a highly sensitive care facility; and secondly, the profound deficiencies and invalid nature of the current submission.”

Concerns over the lack of car parking and its access through the care home were raised, but Cornwall Council stated it was a civil, not a planning issue in documents stating the planning approval.

Hoping to address local concerns, Elliott Homes SW Ltd explained that the scheme is aimed at local working professionals looking for high quality housing which is becoming more and more difficult for younger generations to access. Referencing and screening will be undertaken for any potential tenants prior to being offered a tenancy agreement.

Steve Elliott, managing director at Elliott Homes SW Ltd, said: “We’re delighted Cornwall Council has approved this scheme. Liskeard needs more high-quality, professionally delivered housing for people who grew up, live and work locally, that is exactly what we are looking to deliver here.

“Efficient, safe, and high-quality homes in the heart of town, built to the same standard as the rest of our portfolio. We understand the concerns raised by neighbours in the planning application process and we take all these concerns seriously and have plans to manage accordingly.

“We’ll be a responsible, hands-on landlord and want to be a good neighbour to everyone on Higher Lux Street, including Beechlawn and welcome anyone who has any concerns to reach out so we can help allay any fears.”

The property will be managed by Elliott Homes SW with monitoring to ensure “nuisance is kept to an absolute minimum”. Tenants will be encouraged to utilise green transport methods, including cycling, with cycle storage provided, and public transport over private car ownerships. The tenancies will be advertised exclusive of any car parking available. Waste management will be provided via a dedicated provider and the building has been developed with fire protection and the safety of residents as the first principle.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

A spokesperson added: “Elliott Homes SW Ltd welcomes ongoing contact from neighbours and should any neighbours wish to discuss this matter privately, a conversation can be held with our leadership team.”