CONCERNS have been raised following a planning application to increase the number of bedrooms in a home from three to nine.

The application has been made by John Byrne, from Frome, in Somerset for a house in Gilesgate, Durham.

He wants to add a two storey extension to the rear of the three bedroom property in Wakenshaw Road. The finished building would be classed as a house of multiple occupation (HMO) and could accommodate nine residents, with four bedrooms downstairs and five on the first floor.

Neighbour Alan Clark said: “I think it is atrocious that such a large extension could be contemplated in such a small area.

“There is barely enough parking for the people who live here already never mind nine more residents plus family and friends visiting the flats.

“It will be a nightmare for us living next door.”

Durham Police has also objected to the proposals.

Police liaison officer Steven Drabik said: “Regardless of the proposed extension it is inappropriate to have nine people living in such a confined space, there is inadequate amenity space and parking will be an issue.

“The density of nine rooms in such a small space will be detrimental to the occupants, the space for each person will be claustrophobic; the communal areas are inadequate.

He added: “Because the occupants of HMOs are generally transient and do not integrate into the community, the noise and litter they generate is not tolerated by the settled community, resulting in a break down in community cohesion which the police and local authority have to subsequently address.”