A new proposal aims to transform a family home into an HMO for students in Durham, enhancing local housing options.
Durham: Sugar Tree Limited is looking to change a family home at 38 Goodyear Crescent into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). They submitted their application on January 17.
The plan is to convert a three-bedroom semi-detached house on Sherburn Road Estate to fit more residents. They want to make some internal changes, creating a nice open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area on the ground floor, plus adding two more bedrooms.
On the first floor, they’ll tweak things to fit three bedrooms and a shared bathroom. They’re also extending the driveway to fit three parking spaces and adding secure bike storage and a dedicated bin area at the back.
These updates are all about making sure the property meets local transport and waste management rules. The applicants got some pre-application advice in early January, confirming that their plans align with Policy 16 of the County Durham Plan.
This policy is about keeping HMOs within a 10 percent limit in a 100-metre radius, which this proposal respects. The property will be managed by Harringtons, a company that specializes in student housing, targeting postgraduates and final-year students.
To tackle noise issues, they’ll soundproof the walls, and the management agency will enforce tenancy rules and do regular property checks. The planning statement claims this project fits well with the County Durham Plan and national policies, calling it “sustainable development” with no negative effects on the area.
Plus, the property isn’t on a main route between Durham University campuses and the city center, which should help keep disturbances to a minimum for the local community.
