Retrospective Flint HMO plan under consideration

A RETROSPECTIVE planning application to turn a four-bedroom home in Flint into a five-bedroom house of multiple occupancy (HMO) has been lodged with Flintshire Council.

But plans actually reveal that the house has been divided into six bedsit-style accommodations.

The property is on Hafod, a set-back off-street common off Maes Afon. Work to refurbish and convert the vacant property has already been completed by Ellesmere Port-based Mensch Rentals.

Upstairs the three bedrooms have been converted into bedsits with a shared bathroom.

Downstairs two living rooms and a dining room have also been turned into individual bedrooms, with a shared shower room and kitchen for the house.

It is unclear why the application differs from the work detailed in the elevations.

But in their submission Mensch Rentals says it has invested to bring a property that had lain vacant for some time back into use.

“We have undertaken extensive works including installing a new kitchen with integrated appliances and new flooring throughout.

“In addition we have cleaned up the exterior gardens and removed the waste and debris. We have created a clean and tidy garden area, installed all-new fire doors, a fully integrated alarm system, renewed wiring and a new electrical box.

“All the rooms have been fully refurbished. The property had been empty for some time and was in poor condition which we have now significantly improved.”

The applicant also reported that consultations with residents had been positive.

“On the common around the property there are eight other properties,” it wrote. “All but one of the neighbours have been happy with the change of use.”