The force has withdrawn its objection after security measures were discussed
Humberside Police have confirmed they have withdrawn an objection against plans to turn the former Portland Hotel into a 109-bed HMO. The plans for the site on Paragon Street in Hull City Centre have proved to be highly controversial with some local politicians.
In June, a planning application was submitted to the council seeking permission to turn the former hotel into a 122-bed HMO. Revised plans have seen the number of rooms being reduced to 109 from the original 122.
Plans explain the rooms would be split across six floors, with “generous kitchen facilities” at “several locations on each floor”. In addition to the kitchen areas, each bedroom would be fitted with its own kitchenette area.
In August, soon after the plans emerged, Humberside Police’s Designing Out Crime Officer, Marc Dias, confirmed the force’s desire to oppose the proposals. In a letter submitted on the council’s planning portal, Mr Dias wrote: “Some academic research does appear to find a proliferation of HMOs can in part increase the potential for violence due to the particular stresses and insecurities of living in low-quality, crowded accommodation, with shared facilities and little to no choice of co-habitees.” The letter goes on to say: “I consulted with the local policing team who wished to register their opposition.”
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As well as being initially unpopular with the police force, the plans have proved to be highly controversial with both the local ward councillors and Emma Hardy, the area’s MP. Ms Hardy has backed a petition calling for the development, which she says “risks overcrowding and a rise in anti-social behaviour,” to be rejected.
The plans were deferred at a planning committee in September in order for the applicants to work to address the issues raised in the police’s objection. James Shepherd, the Director at Knight Wood Portfolio, the applicant behind the plans, told Hull Live that Mr Dias has now withdrawn his objection. Mr Shepherd explained this was done after having an on-site visit and the production of a security strategy document, outlining additional security measures the site will include. Humberside Police has confirmed the objection has been withdrawn.
Mr Shepherd also claimed to Hull Live that “the council as a whole have confirmed they are recommending the application for approval,” adding “we’re going into the next committee date on December 3.” When asked to confirm this, Hull City Council said they would not comment until the agenda for the meeting is uploaded onto the council’s website.