AIBU to object to a large co-living dwvelopment near my home?

@Mathsdebatori know the area and totally get where you’re coming from based on problems that have occurred in HMOs on Roker Ave, I’m assuming that’s what you’re thinking of? I cannot see why ‘professionals’ would house share in that area when they could rent (or even buy) relatively cheaply especially if they go slightly further to Monkwearmouth I’m sure you can buy a small cottage there there for under £100k literally round the corner from the chip shop

@Mathsdebator I had a feeling it might be this proposed development before I opened the thread. I would have concerns if I lived nearby (I'm on the other side of the river) and the local councillors appear to have concerns too as they have called the planning application in for a full review. I know two of the local councillors and I do think they will scrutinise the planning application. It must be fun in your house today living with a Geordie!

I didnt understand the parking comments until we had this isdue

people take accommodation with no parking when they actually have a car! Then they park on grass and stuff its bonkers and then complain theres no parking

I think if you are to make an objection you should be investigating in the planning application how the developers propose to look at the end of section 21 notices. What sort of conditions are they intending to those who are renting in the property and how they plan to enforce it.

You should also look into things like charging for communal facilities- if it seems that there is a management company who can suddenly hike the level, then that brings into question whether the sudden inability to pay rent/charges is more likely. People just waiting to be evicted or more likely to be could be homeless and a burden on the local authority.

Check also things like drainage, other environmental matters, how many toilets/bathrooms.

not sure why youre saying this

https://online-applications.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications/files/C2BA798A10A79F0DAD24DCD1DA6081DA/pdf/26_00501_FUL-PLANNING_AND_DESIGN_AND_ACCESS_STATEMENT_NEWCASTLE_ROAD-1845007.pdf

Hopefully you can open this and it allay some of your concerns , parking proposal mentions monthly passes for the metro carpark over the road etc and it really does look quite smart

🤷🏻‍♀️. I lived in a city centre for years and years. When I got to a point of thinking it was too noisy, too crowded, too run down I moved to the countryside. If you want to stay then stay but I think you need to accept there will be more development in such an area.

Use the street check website - shows them
on a map and by type , if you expand you can click into each incident

Just looking at the plans for the development and honestly I think you are worrying (understandably) unnecessarily - they are going to be doing a lot of additional development to the site , adding a second floor and balconies etc so to me at least it doesn’t seem like they’re setting up some sort of half way house

We have a large one down the road form us which is near three schools (if that's relevant), lots of people objected but I can't say that there has been any disruption or any increase in crime since they have been there. We barely notice them. The three houses have been done beautifully which large amounts of driveway at the front and a large communal gardens at the back. I can't even tell you what any of them look like but I do believe that they are needed as where are people without a house deposit or local parents supposed to live?

Forget all the stuff about HMOs, You may be right, but the planning application currently says it's for young professionals, so any comments or complaints you make about HMOs will just be ignored by the council. Don't waste any more time on it for now.

Concentrate on things they will take into account. Parking, and the knock on effect on the local parking situation and consequent traffic congestion is something you can raise concerns about.

Also things like the provision of rubbish and recycling bins. Will there be adequate provision,, will there be too many bins blocking the pavement and access. Will there be too few bins resulting in rubbish overflowing everywhere.

If permission is granted then there would have to be a further application made if they then want to turn it into an HMO later. You can bring up all the HMO worries at that point, but for now focus on the material considerations only. They may sound boring, but you will get nowhere unless you know how the system works.

You can also raise your concerns with your local councillor.

Most of which were antisocial behaviour on the industrial park where the kids gather in their cars or shoplift

Yes, I rented rooms from live in landlords, shared kitchen etc. Not 'really cheap' because this was London and I was at university (couldnt afford the halls)

Nothing wrong with that, and nothing wrong with good solid developments, but even looking at streetview the site simply doesnt look big enough for 18 rooms, with ensuite, with communal areas, with outside space

And as others have said, 'cheap housing' is abundant in the area anyway. How much cheaper is it going to be?

Oh and these are the crime rates for the area where the machete attack took place :

TOTAL CRIME RATE
38.3 per 1,000 4/10 · Low
All offences · Jan 2025 - Dec 2025
VIOLENT CRIME RATE
16.0 per 1,000 3/10 · Low
Jan 2025 - Dec 2025

Yep as a student in the area being discussed and subsequently as a graduate - there are quite a few similar developments in the immediate area that are rented by overseas students so the business model is proven to work

I think the development is a great use of the site - incredibly well served by public transport and the developer has been proven to do what the scheme says it will - produce good quality self contained studio appartments for key workers and young professionals who need them. The dramatics about Roker Avenue and the actions of a small minority of residents have some foundation but there are many students ( particularly overseas ones) and young professionals who are housed in that area without issues. I walked down that street at around 10pm lastnight and had zero issues

What sort of prices do you think this is going to be offered for then, given there seems to be a plethora of low cost housing in the area (private) in any case?

Whats different about this, other than its packing them in like sardines in a really small corner.

I do agree with this. If you don’t want to live in an area where HMOs might pop up then don’t live in an area like this. 🤷🏻‍♀️. Purpose built HMOs and converted buildings are good not just for those living in them who need cheap, possibly short term accommodation but it also frees up housing stock for local families. People need to live somewhere.

I don’t see a problem with it. No car parking spaces is completely standard procedure for new developments where I live, as long as there is decent public transport. There are lots where I live and they are just like any other flat share, but with their own bathrooms.

Didn't anyone on here ever lived in a really cheap shared house as a young person?

The main reason people choose cheaper housing is to save money. If you are 22 and have left uni with 50k if debt, and really want to save for a house deposit, a couple of years in shared housing can save a lot.

I live in a village with poor public transport, no amenities and no jobs. I don't think its an ideal place, no. I used to live in a city in an inexpensive area and there were lots of HMOs, loads of people lived in shared houses.

I mean what else do you think a building like that will be used for ? Its on a busy main road overlooking a retail park, its not exactly a desirable location.