COUNCILLORS are set to give the green light to controversial plans to convert a former bar in Barrow into an eight-bedroomed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Members of the Barrow Planning Committee will decide on Tuesday (October 10) whether to approve proposals to transform the former Costello’s Bar, on Ramsden Street.

The proposed house is recommended by the planning officer for approval and would consist of a communal lounge, a kitchen and eight en-suite bedrooms.

A planning statement prepared by the applicant states: “The site is currently vacant and therefore it is important to find a suitable new use for the property before it deteriorates even more and the inevitable risks that a vacant building poses causing risks to nearby occupants / passers-by.”

The statement adds the applicant intends to make new external changes to the property but will add solar panels to the roof to provide stored electricity which will be used in the property for heating, power, and hot water.

However the application has received seven objections and a petition against the proposed development has 14 signatures.

According to the report prepared for next Tuesday’s meeting, objectors state “Almost every empty property is being bought by out-of-town developers to turn them into HMOs with complete disregard to local communities living in the area.”

In the report objectors add: “Current HMOs are allegedly a source of anti-social behaviour.”

In response to objectors stating concerns over the number of HMO properties, the planning officer states: “Property ownership is not a material consideration for planning decisions.

“This is driven by market forces, and members may consider the benefits of such inward investment into the town which removes poor quality accommodation or repurposes empty properties.”

Additionally in response to allegations of anti-social behaviour the officer states: “There is no evidence to confirm that the site will be a source of anti-social behaviour in future.

“As the proposed HMO will need to be licensed this will require the site is properly managed in a similar way to it being a drinking establishment. This should afford a greater level of control over the property.”

Councillors will debate the proposals at Barrow Town Hall.