COUNCILLORS have approved plans to develop a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Lymm.

The development management committee passed the application proposing the change of use of an existing residential property and a commercial property, on Church Road, into a six-person HMO during its Town Hall meeting on Thursday.

The council has no formal parking standards at present for HMOs, but officers say previous experience suggests that levels of car ownership among occupants is relatively low.

They added, while the proposal does have the potential to increase the level of activity and parking demand, any increase is likely to be minimal.

Cllr Kath Buckley (CON – Lymm South) expressed concerns over parking during the meeting.

She said: “As you’re aware, the T junction’s where a lot of traffic comes down from the actual motorway, a considerable amount, and there is a lot of, should we say, issue going to Lymm Dam, going to the village, it’s often just one lane that’s clear.

“At peak times it’s pretty bad round there and if you’ve got any additional parking from the HMO I think it’s going to cause a lot of issues regarding parking and highways, and the actual traffic flow, because you’ve got also, at certain points, you’ve got the school buses going through.

“So it’s not just simple road use, you’ve got lots of articulated lorries going down there, you’ve got the buses themselves to the high school and general bus use, there is a lot of blockage in that area and also is the displaced parking as well, which would then should we say diffuse the problem.”

Cllr Bob Barr (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) also shared his views.

He said: “I think this is the first time I’ve come across an HMO application where there wasn’t a plethora of objections because they didn’t want an HMO nearby, so I’m proud of my residents and of Kath’s residents in Lymm for appreciating the need for such a property.”

Officers said the plans will provide a variation to the residential offer in this area of Lymm without significant impact on the amenities of the conservation area, adjacent occupiers or highway safety.

Both properties – number 7 and 7a – are vacant and have been so for over two years.

The application was approved subject to conditions, as recommended by officers.