A former newsagents on Walney will be converted into a six-bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

Proposals have been approved to transform the former Early News newsagents on Liverpool Street into a HMO.

The plans also include the demolition of the existing outbuildings and construction of a new single storey extension at the back of the building.

A previous application from developer Daniel Lockhart Ocean Construction UK to convert the newsagents into a seven-bedroom HMO was withdrawn in August with Barrow Town Council lodging concerns over parking.

On the plans Public Protection Services said: “Generally, shared facilities should be 5:1. This has six people sharing 1 kitchen. However, the kitchen appears to be of a good size, and provided there is ample worktop space, cupboards and fridge freezer space for the number of occupants, the proposed layout is likely tolerable.”

Objectors state they are concerned over the potential for the HMO to be ‘intolerable’ with overcrowding causing anti-social behaviour as well as health and welfare issues.

One objector commented: “The growth of HMOs impacts the local community, especially where inadequate rubbish storage leads to pest infestations and health and safety problems.”

Those opposing the plans also state the impact a six-bedroom HMO could have on parking in the area.

An objector stated: “There is currently insufficient parking in the area. Parking on the Euryalus Street area, where the front door of the proposed development will be is congested with the garage on the same street. This is exasperated in term time with teachers parking and parents picking up and dropping off.

“The terrace streets were not designed to accommodate homes with multiple vehicles, let alone homes of multiple occupancy and associated vehicles.”

A planning officer from Westmorland and Furness Council granted the proposals with conditions such as the development must not be occupied until a bin storage area has been set out within the rear court yard amongst others.