Residents object to proposed House of Multiple Occupation on Grimshaw Lane

Residents have voiced their disapproval at the proposal of a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) on Grimshaw Lane, Middleton.

The plan outlines converting the existing building into an eight-bedroom dwelling and propose keeping the existing materials and finishes of the building including brown and white UPVC finishes plus grey tiles and white rendered walls.

Eight objections have been received so far for the plans, which were submitted in August by Harrison Construction, on behalf of Royton’s TDM Architectural Ltd.

Neighbourhood officer for Contour homes in the Middleton area, Mark Crossley, objected on behalf of their tenants in neighbouring properties.

He said: “I would have concerns that the quality of our tenants’ lives may be affected by an increase in noise from the property which would be used to home eight individuals.

“I have concerns about the management of the scheme, the type of residents that would be living there and what action would be taken if there were reports of anti-social behaviour.

Neighbour Lisa Hearin expressed her concerns about ‘what the building is going to be used for as I have children who live at home’.

Middletonian Colette Wagstaffe objected on the grounds that Rochdale Borough Council had previously ‘promised residents in the Mellalieu Street area that no more licenses would be granted for HMOs in Middleton’.

She elaborated: “The council should also not be encouraging this type of property in 2017. HMOs are only suitable for students at college and our only college, Hopwood Hall campus, has its own accommodation so there is no call for this type of property in Middleton.”

She also expressed concern that parking problems already exist in the ‘fully-built up residential area’.

Junction resident Lindsay Keenan added the property was ‘not needed or wanted in this area’ and ‘the junction is ignored by the council’.

Her thoughts were echoed by fellow resident Anthony Eastham, who commented that ‘Junction is already turning into a dumping ground’.