The subject of Newquay being “saturated” with houses being converted into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) was raised when a Cornwall Council planning meeting discussed a proposal to change a guest house into a seven-bed rental space.

A number of neighbours objected to the plan in Eliot Gardens fearing a loss of on-street parking and disruption to the peaceful tree-lined street.

However, more people wrote in support of the application by Kastel Property Solutions Ltd stating that such shared accommodation was desperately needed for young professionals who are struggling to find places to live in Newquay and the rest of Cornwall.

The proposal to turn Trewinda Lodge, a five-bed guest house including three-bed accommodation for the owner, near Great Western and Tolcarne beaches into the HMO was brought before the council’s central area planning committee today (Monday, March 10) by division member Cllr Louis Gardner who had a number of objections.

A neighbour wrote on the council’s planning portal: “There are already a large number of HMOs in this area in what is a quiet residential neighbourhood. I do not think it is fair to add another one. This is one of the prettiest tree lined roads in Newquay that is about to be ruined.”

However, another resident added: “I live within a stone’s throw of Trewinda Lodge and I believe the idea of turning it into a HMO is a brilliant idea. In today’s current climate there is a high demand for affordable housing, especially for young people. This will hopefully help out local Newquay people, keeping them close to the town for jobs, transport links, etc.”

The council’s planning committee recommended approval, saying it responded to the housing crisis in Cornwall and although it would lead to the loss of up two on-road parking spaces there would be seven spaces on-site for occupants. Planning officers said it complied with Newquay Development Plan’s policy for HMOs. The county’s highways officer did not object either.

Cllr Joanna Kenny, chair of Newquay Town Council’s planning committee, told the meeting: “We don’t like it but we can’t find any planning reason to object.” She added: “Eliot Gardens does not have enough street parking to provide for current demand now let alone in the summer.”

Cllr Kenny said comments online showed “immediate neighbours clearly hate the idea of a HMO but they are balanced by people desperate for this type of accommodation, who may not be local. A well managed HMO could be better than the alternatives for that eight-bedroom house”.

The applicant, Tom Jones, told councillors he runs a business providing “high quality accommodation for working professionals across Cornwall”. Born in Illogan, he said he was influenced by the likes of Richard Trevithick and Cornwall’s historic legacy of engineering and innovation, and as a result studied engineering in London.

He told the committee the draw of Cornwall called and he moved back after living away for ten years. Mr Jones said on his return in 2019 it was a real struggle to find somewhere to live. He couldn’t find anywhere and had to stay with a friend for six months. “It was this experience that led me to the creation of the business I now run. I thought the young people of Cornwall deserved a better choice and standard when choosing accommodation.

“I soon realised it’s not just young people who rely on HMOs for accommodation. This has been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis that we’re still living through, with houses prices and rents rising at unprecedented rates.”

He added that on the surrounding streets there are 77 Airbnb properties available to rent, but only two units available for long-term accommodation.

Mr Jones said the plan had overwhelming public support. “I ask the committee what’s the difference between a guest house and a HMO? Very little or any at all. In fact, we will be housing less people as a HMO so the concerns of the divisional member don’t make sense.”

Cllr Gardner asked what the applicant meant by “overwhelming” support. Mr Jones replied that he believed there were 16 supporting statements and ten against. “I think that would count as a landslide in an election.”

Cllr Gardner then addressed the meeting, saying: “HMOs typically bring a higher intensity of occupation compared to family homes or bed and breakfasts. This increase in the number of unrelated individuals living in close proximity can lead to noise disturbances, parking issues and the reduction of the overall quality of life for other local residents.”

He added that it would add to pressure on on-street parking in the area and goes against the town’s development plan to preserve family homes, particularly in residential areas like Eliot Gardens. Cllr Gardner said the application was in contravention of a current Cornwall Council project looking to increase street parking in the area.

He stressed that surrounding areas have dozens of Victorian houses which have become HMOs, though Eliot Gardens doesn’t have any.

“They swamp this area leading to issues with parking and pressure on local services. We simply do not need to squeeze in more on a leafy residential road with family homes.”

The Newquay councillor argued that the change of use has been driven by a need to sell the property – which has been on the market for a year – rather than social responsibility.

The meeting heard that just five weeks ago the property was given planning permission to be converted back into a large family home. “A much more appropriate use,” added Cllr Gardner.

Committee chairman Cllr Alan Jewell agreed that the character of the area would be changed by the proposal, with changes to the front of the property, the loss of a verge and two parking spaces.

Cllr John Martin said saturation in Newquay of HMO accommodation was of concern, but the demand is there and he felt it was a valid application.

The planning department made clear there are a number of HMOs in the surrounding area but not in Eliot Gardens and it complied with policy, plus many other properties had created driveways on to the road so impact to the character of the area was not an issue. Cllr Mike Thomas said it ticked all the boxes and proposed approval.

The application was approved with seven in favour, with one against and one abstention.