Barnstaple guest house to become nine-bed HMO despite parking outcry

A vacant guest house in Barnstaple is to be turned into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) after it was approved by North Devon Council’s planning officers.

Objections were raised by two members of the public, a local North Devon councillor and Barnstaple Town Council over parking issues, inadequate living space and potential anti-social behaviour.

The property in Newport Road will house nine people as an HMO and will have no parking provision.

Cllr Caroline Leaver (Lib Dem, Newport) said the impact of this area of Newport was likely to be “substantial”.

“Pressure on on-street parking is severe already. The location of this property is near to the Congrams Close car park – but while this may seem to provide a solution the car park is already full to capacity every evening so it would not be a realistic way of dealing with significant additional vehicles seeking parking.”

The planning officers’ report said that room sizes and facilities accorded with amenity standards and minimum room sizing.

And regarding parking objections it said: “Whilst the concerns raised have been noted, the site is within a sustainable location within close proximity to services and alternative forms of transport.

“Although the lack of parking provision is unfortunate, it is unlikely to result in an unacceptable impact upon highway capacity and safety and as such could not warrant a refusal of the application.”

Officers said the proposal fitted the aims of national planning policy and the adopted development plan.