Planning approval granted for HMO in Antrim despite 30 objections

Millhouse Dale, Antrim

The proposed change of use of a four-bedroom apartment to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) at 33 Millhouse Dale, Antrim, was approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee at a recent meeting.

Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told the committee that 30 objections had been received, raising issues including insufficient parking and traffic concerns, potential noise and disturbance, negative impacts on the character of the area, waste and litter issues, and the potential precedent for further HMO developments.

She indicated that the layout of the four-bedroom property would remain unchanged.

The officer said the proposed change of use to an HMO was considered “acceptable”, as there was no planned increase in the number of bedrooms and it “would not significantly increase the number of persons capable of living within the property”.

Ms Wilson added that it was considered there is “not a significant number of HMOs within the surrounding area that would lead to an adverse cumulative impact”, and noted the recommendation was to grant planning permission.

Laura O’Hare, a neighbouring resident who objected to the proposal, told councillors:

“Allowing an HMO in a block this small would fundamentally change its nature, potentially lowering property values, creating conflict and setting a dangerous precedent.”

She also expressed concern about what she believed to be a higher fire risk associated with HMOs and reported “serious” existing parking problems in the area.

In response to a query from Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster regarding parking provision, the planning officer confirmed there are eight parking spaces serving six apartments.

Planning consultant Azman Khairuddin told the meeting there is an area of communal parking adjacent to an open space, which he described as being “within walking distance” of the site.

He added that the application would allow two additional occupants, where two tenants already reside at the property.

Cllr Foster highlighted the response from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), which stated that parking at the location is sub-standard.

He also said he believed an HMO would represent a “complete change in the noise demographic” of the property, with people, he claimed, “coming and going at all times” to suit their working patterns.

Barry Diamond, the council’s Head of Planning, said that if planning permission is granted, the council has no control over the occupants or their employment.

Referring to parking provision, he commented:

“We don’t look at this as a hotel. It does not operate like a hotel. It doesn’t operate like a family home, but it is probably closer to a family home than it is to a hotel.”

Cllr Foster responded:

“To me it does operate like a hotel or bed and breakfast. It is transient. It is not the same people all the time.”

Mr Diamond replied:

“In my view, it is closer to a family home. I’m not saying it is a family home.”

Threemilewater Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell proposed that planning permission be granted, seconded by Glengormley DUP Councillor Alison Bennington.

Planning permission was approved following a vote in which four councillors were in favour, three were against, and two abstained.

Those in favour were Ald Campbell, Cllr Bennington, Dunsilly Sinn Féin Cllr Henry Cushinan, and committee chair Glengormley Sinn Féin Cllr Rosie Kinnear.

Those against were Cllr Foster, Airport DUP Alderman Matthew Magill, and Macedon DUP Cllr Ben Mallon.

Abstentions were recorded by Airport Sinn Féin Cllr Annemarie Logue and Threemilewater DUP Cllr Sam Flanagan.