BUSINESSES and residents have expressed strong opposition to plans to convert offices at a former pub building into a 13-bedroom house of multiple occupation.

Proposals sent to St Helens Council seek permission for the development at the former Clarendon pub building, on College Street.

The application, submitted by Ntoni, seek to change the use from an office and residential flat at the first floor to a 13-bedroom HMO, with a two-storey rear extension. 

A design and access statement in the application claims: “The proposed development will not affect neighbouring properties and that “no overlooking or privacy issues will be created”.

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It states the layout has been amended “to suit the new fully residential use class, which seeks to a two storey single dwelling comprising of 13 bedrooms, two open plan kitchen/living areas and separate utility/laundry/plant rooms in the basement”.

The applicant claims there are “ample parking spaces” in the existing car park space and says that “previously multiple employees were using the site for parking, this will be in effect swapped for residents’ provision moving forward”.

However, residents and businesses in the area have strongly disputed this and say there will be sufficient parking space and raised concerns over traffic flow that would be caused by the development.

John Stone, owner of Stone Tyres has expressed opposition to the proposals.

In a letter of objection against the plans, Mr Stone said: “The proposal to fit 13 dwellings inside the existing unit plus extension seems excessive.

“A large portion of the existing car park will be lost to accommodate the extension meaning even less car park spaces available.

“The old businesses struggled with parking with only a handful of staff. The property has double yellow lines immediately outside and on the opposite side of the road as it is on a junction.”

He added: “There are six houses in the street with nine cars between them. There is a large flow of traffic daily with visitors to and from the adjoining businesses.

“If each occupant has a vehicle this will cause significant distress to the current residents and neighbouring businesses. I strongly object to this proposal.”

Alfred Bannister, of Eric Slinns wallpaper and paint store, on College Street, believes the development would have a “detrimental impact on the business”.

He added: “It says they are not going to put any parking spaces. They might say they won’t have cars but we don’t know that.”

The council’s planning portal says standard consultation of plans to the public remains open until Thursday, March 2, with a determination deadline set for April 6.