Almost 200 objections have been made after plans were submitted to turn a Bury care home into shared housing bedsits.
Residents have “strongly opposed” plans to turn Moorfields care home into a 16-bed, single-use, house of multiple occupancy, HMO.
The site, on Tottington Road, was shut alongside Elizabeth House, Walshaw Road, when administrators, Kroll, decided to close the doors and auction off the vacant buildings.
They said they had been unable to sell the homes to new operators which stunned the families of residents who had to find a new place for their elderly relatives to live.
Residents have been urging anyone local to the Elton ward to share their opinions via the application portal, which, on Monday, had garnered 199 objections out of 204 comments.
One objector, who lives on Darlington Close, said: “I wish to object to the proposed development mainly on the number of parking places allocated.
“There is a likelihood of over spilling onto already congested residential streets like Darlington Close which residents from houses across from the proposed development are already using”.
Concerns have been raised regarding parking provisions as plans for the proposed 16-bed site show only seven car parking spaces, one of which is disability-allocated space.
Another objector added: “My mum has recently been trying to find a residential home for my uncle, but it seems that there is already a shortage of care homes in the area as there isn't anything available.
“I am also aware that another care home just down the road is in the process of being closed and being proposed to be changed to a HMO.
“This will also cause issues with traffic and parking on an already very busy Tottington Road, as well as increased stress on the local resources.
“There is a correlation between HMOs and increases in anti-social behaviour.
“Having both Tottington High and Elton High Schools being nearby would cause concerns for families with high school-age children (including myself), walking to and from school.
“This needs to be rejected and an alternative option chosen, ideally the resumption as a care home or affordable housing for families”.
Other objections detail fears for already “overcrowded” and “overwhelmed” GP surgeries, dentist practices and roads, and the extra pressures this will put on resources.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the turnover of tenants, with one objector suggesting the site become first-time buyer apartments instead.
Amid the hundreds of objections, one supporter, who said they were a landlord, added: “More of these homes are required.
“There are too many people living in and wanting to live in the borough leading to the brash rise in current rent prices.
“If people object to this they do not understand basic economics and how the rash short supply is leading to mass unaffordability of housing to the majority.
“Other care home providers have not taken this over for a reason and that reason is that it is not profitable, not enough demand, and a failing business model over the at-home care model”.
Another person in favour of the application said: "It will create much-needed affordable housing in this area.
"I live on Tottington Road and my landlord is now selling the house.
Read more: Plans to convert former showroom into 35-bed HMO
"There is almost nothing available as a one-bedroom flat or house shares in the local area.
"I work at the local hospital and there are several colleagues that have to commute from surrounding towns because they cannot find accommodation in Bury".
Read more: Plans to convert recently closed care homes into 16 and 13-bed shared houses
The application was submitted on December 20, 2023.
It reads: “The scheme aims to provide a good standard of living with generous facilities.
Read more: Radcliffe plans submitted to turn former pub site into HMO
“All rooms are for single occupation aligning with the space standards set out in the nationally described space standards.
“From the existing layout, rooms have been reduced from 18 to 16 bedrooms to allow for increased shower facilities.
On the ground floor, ample shared common spaces include three kitchens with laundry, and two large lounge and dining spaces that ensure enough room to seat each person.”
Residents can have their say via the Bury Council planning portal using the reference number: 70354
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel