Plans to convert a former Southampton care home into a large house in multiple occupation are set to be approved despite resident and councillor objections.

The proposal for the site at 348 Winchester Road, Bassett, which previously operated as Abbey Retirement Home, has been recommended for approval by city council planning officers.

The application from Mr Veizaj is due to go before the planning and rights of way panel today (Tuesday, September 17).

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Richard Blackman, Bassett ward councillor and Liberal Democrat group leaderInitially, permission was sought for a 13 or 14-bedroom HMO, however, following negotiations it has been reduced in scale to a 10-bed scheme.

Twenty-two resident objections were submitted raising concerns over exacerbating parking issues, the quality of living environment, and potential for noise and anti-social behaviour problems.

Liberal Democrat Bassett ward councillors Richard Blackman and Sarah Wood tabled comments.

Cllr Wood said the accommodation was “very cramped” and there would be only five car parking spots provided.

Officers said this was the maximum number of spaces permitted by current council policy.

Cllr Blackman said while the scheme had been amended, the concerns he initially raised still stood.

No objections were submitted by the the council’s environmental health, HMO licensing and highways development management teams.

The proposal includes two kitchens, with one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, three shower rooms and a ground floor living room.

A report by a planning officer recommending conditional approval said all of the proposed bedrooms met the local authority’s guidance on HMO standards.

“The proposal is acceptable in principle and is considered, on balance, to not result in any significant adverse impacts on the character or amenity of the area or the function and safety of the highway.

“The proposals results in the loss of a residential care home and its conversion to a large (10-person) HMO.

“This would be the only HMO within a 40m radius and so complies with our current policy and guidance.”