Bids to turn homes in Lowestoft into HMOs for asylum seekers

Plans were submitted to East Suffolk Council in February and March for two separate schemes at properties on Milton Road East in Lowestoft, and London Road South in Kirkley, south Lowestoft.

An application centring around "conversion of the existing six bed residential property" at 33 Milton Road East in Lowestoft into an eight bed house of multiple occupancy (HMO) property for asylum seekers is currently "awaiting decision" with East Suffolk.

Plans have been lodged for 33 Milton Road East in Lowestoft. Picture: True Blue Architecture Ltd (Image: True Blue Architecture Ltd)

As is change of use plans that could see a seven-bedroom, mid terrace property at 47 London Road South converted into a nine-bedroom HMO property "providing accommodation for asylum seekers".

Change of use plans could see a mid terrace property at 47 London Road South converted into a nine-bedroom HMO property providing accommodation for asylum seekers. Picture: Principle Design (Image: Principle Design)

But with locals "strongly opposed" to the plans earmarked for the two properties - which would be managed by SERCO - concerns have been raised around "overdevelopment" and "potential disorder and harm" linked to the potentially vulnerable occupants.

33 Milton Road East in Lowestoft. Picture: True Blue Architecture Ltd (Image: True Blue Architecture Ltd)

Among the objections lodged on the Milton Road East conversion plans, was an "inappropriate use" for the property and its location - given it is not far from the town centre - while more than 20 objections have been filed for the London Road South change of use plans.

Proposed drawings for the change of use plans. Picture: Principle Design (Image: Principle Design)

With neighbours and Kirkley residents citing their opposition to the nine-bedroom HMO, concerns were highlighted over the property being in a conservation area, while one local added: "There are so many people that live here already that are homeless or in poor accommodation, this would be a much better use of an empty property."

'Out of character'

In the past couple of weeks, Lowestoft Town Council's planning committee has met to consider both applications.

Of the Milton Road East scheme, the town council said: "It was agreed to recommend refusal of the application due to overdevelopment of the property and the lack of space and amenities for the number of residents due to be living in the dwelling.

"The main concern of the committee, which did not constitute hostility to immigration or asylum seekers, was the potential of increasing the vulnerability of the intended occupants by accommodating them in an economically deprived area, also that the occupants may be exposed to hostility and risk of harm."

With a final decision to be made by East Suffolk Council, the town council recommended that the scheme should be considered by East Suffolk's planning committee.

Of the London Road South change of use plans, the town council said: "It was agreed to recommend refusal of the application due to the potential disorder and harm to the occupants in relation to the occupants being targeted, the associated building works being out of character within a conservation area and the committee's query as to whether a genuine consultation had taken place as many nearby residents reported they had not been consulted on the application.

"Clarification was also requested as to whether this property had previously been a HMO."