A crucial vote is set to be held on controversial plans to create a new house of multiple occupancy (HMO) on a terraced street.
If approved, the plan will see the home on Lower Rawson Street in Farnworth converted into a seven-bedroom HMO.
But Cllr Nadeem Ayub, who represents the area on the council, says he is deeply concerned about the idea and has asked for it to be debated at a meeting of the authority’s planning committee.
He said: “There are a number of issues here that residents have raised concerns about.
“There’s the parking issue and there’s also concerns about anti-social behaviour and crime that already causing problems in the area so these are the reasons I’ve brought it to the committee.”
He added: “My aim is to put these concerns to the council and make sure the committee hears the concerns of residents.”
As well as converting the house into a collection of seven bedrooms, the proposal also includes a plan for a new extension at the back.
Cllr Ayub’s has also said that he is worried by the possible increase in noise, by the fact that no extra car parking provision has been included in the plan and that, in his view, it could negatively affect the character and appearance of the area.
His request will mean that the proposal is debated by elected council members rather than being decided by officers.
The council has already received a total of 17 letters of objection about the proposal, with concerns raised ranging from increase in traffic, increase in pollution, a strain on local facilities, that it would not be in keeping with the area and loss of privacy.
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They have also raised concerns about the fact that the area in Farnworth is already concentrated with similar HMOs.
Many of these residents have said they believe there are far too many HMOs and too few family homes available not only in Farnworth but all around the country.
The council's planning committee is set to vote whether or not to approve the plan on Thursday, January 5.
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