An undesirable rash across town

The Mews, off Portland Street, is a quiet retreat and Hawkstone House, currently an office, it is proposed, should be turned into an HMO for ten people. This will destroy the character of the Mews irredeemably.

Oddly enough, we are not told, in this application, who is to occupy it. One could speculate: a hostel for young offenders; rooms for the homeless; students or...? Amazingly you can apply for an HMO, change the character of a building but not state for what purpose.

If the proposal had been to turn it into a family home or two apartments then the town would benefit from settled people.

But an HMO with 10 rootless individuals, living in limited conditions with inadequate facilities, such as one small kitchen, bedrooms no bigger than a parking space, is a recipe for discomfort for the residents and unhappiness for its neighbours. The number of cars coming and going down a narrow access road into Portland Street will affect all living around there.

Did not those making the application have any regard for their fellow tax-paying, established neighbours? Did they not think that families with babies and young children would not be affected? Did they only think of the money, without any consideration for others who have lived in and around the Mews for many years?

Will they reconsider and change their minds and think of alternatives? I sadly doubt it and that is why there will be so many objections. I invite all those who live in Portland Street and Mews to object, for this HMO could well affect their lives. Sign the petition too when you see it. Simply go to WDC planning and look up W/13/1036. Try not to despair.

D. Phillips, Portland Mews, Leamington