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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

214 replies

Mathsdebator · 21/03/2026 20:20

I live in the North East. The local paper published an article yesterday about someone applying to turn a shop near me into a "large co-living development' with 18 rooms and communal area. Aimed at young professionals apparently and they're denying it's a HMO.

It's obviously a HMO

There's no parking. The space is small. It's 3 minutes walk from a primary school. I've looked up the developers - they're based in London.

Would you object?

OP posts:
Fleur405 · 21/03/2026 20:45

What is it you object to exactly? That poor people might move in?

jdb9803 · 21/03/2026 20:45

Mathsdebator · 21/03/2026 20:37

Sunderland

Show quote history

There's been a couple knocked back in South Tyneside recently because of public outcry - attendance at pubic meetings, petitions etc

Sidebeforeself · 21/03/2026 20:44

What’s being near a primary school got to do with it?

Original poster
Mathsdebator · 21/03/2026 20:43

HotRootsAndNaughtyToots · 21/03/2026 20:42

I would on the basis of parking space but not because its an hmo for professionals

I want to be open minded but what professional wants to live in a bedsit with shared communal area and no parking? I just can't see it.

OP posts:
TonTonMacoute · 21/03/2026 20:43

You can of course object to anything. You should look at the local council's planning page, find the application you need and there will be an option to post your objection.

Only objections that mention material planning considerations will be taken seriously. I have attached a link to the government's planning portal

Link

What are material considerations? - Planning Portal

Guidance on material considerations

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/planning/about-the-planning-system/what-are-material-considerations/

Oblivionnnnn · 21/03/2026 20:42

MrsKateColumbo · 21/03/2026 20:40

The parking situation sounds ridiculous, there should be as many spaces as rooms (assuming not somewhere with loads of on street parking)

I dont think the primary school point is relevant

Not necessarily. Social housing flats are only allocated 0.5 spaces each.

HotRootsAndNaughtyToots · 21/03/2026 20:42

I would on the basis of parking space but not because its an hmo for professionals

newornotnew · 21/03/2026 20:41

I need to look into how to object! The council planning portal will explain.

Contact your local councillors to ask what is going on.

You need to get on with it.

MrsKateColumbo · 21/03/2026 20:40

The parking situation sounds ridiculous, there should be as many spaces as rooms (assuming not somewhere with loads of on street parking)

I dont think the primary school point is relevant

newornotnew · 21/03/2026 20:38

Bikergran · 21/03/2026 20:27

Surely you can only object if you are right next to it, in which case you will be sent details of the planning proposal. You could raise this on a local Facebook page to see if there is strong feeling locally about it.

Anyone can object on legitimate planning grounds.

Original poster
Mathsdebator · 21/03/2026 20:37

GreeneryGrass · 21/03/2026 20:36

Where abouts in the north east? I’m also in the north east and I’m interested in knowing where roughly please!

Sunderland

OP posts:
Original poster
Mathsdebator · 21/03/2026 20:37

I need to look into how to object! Will look to see if there's any local interest. The Facebook page of the local rag is littered with racist comments sadly.

I totally get that people are worried (trouble, drugs, house prices etc) but I'd only team up with people capable of objecting without being racist.

OP posts:
GreeneryGrass · 21/03/2026 20:36

Where abouts in the north east? I’m also in the north east and I’m interested in knowing where roughly please!

Bikergran · 21/03/2026 20:27

Surely you can only object if you are right next to it, in which case you will be sent details of the planning proposal. You could raise this on a local Facebook page to see if there is strong feeling locally about it.