Bridgend Council’s planning committee has approved plans to covert the former Elderbush Hotel at High Street, Nantyfyllon into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Maesteg Town Council objected over parking concerns. At least 19 other letters of objection were received also expressing concern around parking and highway safety, but also concerns around tenant anti-social behaviour and poor quality of living space proposed.
The accompanying report (pdf) stated there were no planning grounds to refuse the application, as the living space was within guidelines and any potential issues with anti-social behaviour are a matter for the landlord and the police.
Cllr. Martin Hughes (Lab, Maesteg East) said the application was, in some ways, “unprecedented” as HMO applications presented to the committee were usually for up to 6 bedsits, not 12. Property management issues were inevitable given this level of intense housing.
The application was, nonetheless, approved subject to conditions. Those conditions include a £3,000 contribution towards a new bus shelter on High Street.
