PLANS for a seven-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Hartlepool have been given the green light, after previously being refused last year.

Proposals were resubmitted to Hartlepool Borough Council to convert the property at 68 Grange Road from a residential house to a seven-bed HMO.

HMOs refer to properties such as a house split into separate bedsits, a shared house/flat or a hostel. Forso Ltd had their plans for a seven bed HMO for "students and young professionals" at the same site in the Grange Road Conservation Area refused in September.

However council planning officers have now approved the plans, despite two objections from residents living nearby. The property has been empty for over 18 months.

Two objections from nearby residents raised concerns primarily linked to parking problems in the area. One Grange Road resident said: “There is a massive shortage of parking.”