Plans to turn a disused pub into accommodation for up to 12 people have been approved.

Elected members at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council voted to grant permission to proposals to convert The Crown in Silverdale into a 12-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Objectors had complained about a proliferation of HMOs in Silverdale in recent years and raised concerns over the scheme creating problems with parking and anti-social behaviour.

But following a site visit, members of the planning committee voted to approve the application in line with their officers' recommendation.

The Crown dates back to 1839 but closed its doors for the final time last year with previous owner Joule's Brewery saying it was no longer commercially viable. There are four existing HMOs within 100 metres of The Crown, all on Newcastle Street.

The application received objections from two ward councillors and four other residents, along with Silverdale Parish Council.

They said turning The Crown into another HMO would exacerbate the parking issues in Silverdale, and potentially block emergency service access to Silverdale Park.

But applicant Steve Wigham told the committee that cars parked outside the building in Brook Street would still leave enough room for an ambulance. He also insisted the HMO would not be used by asylum seekers, and said the building would be adapted for occupants with mobility issues.

advertisement

Most planning committee members agreed there were no good reasons to refuse the application.

Councillor Nicholas Crisp said: "I think with HMOs people have a gut instinct and they're worried about it. They get the idea of prison half-way houses and asylum seekers.

"But after meeting the applicant, he seems very responsible. There is the risk that in future he'll pass the property onto someone else, but with some reservations I feel like I can support this. I haven't heard any reasonable reason to refuse. I don't think the parking issue is something that would stand."

Councillor Gill Williams said that while she has previously voted against HMOs, she had been 'really impressed' by the plans for The Crown.

She said: "We've all got to change our views on the way people are living. There's no social housing being built, and that's been a problem with governments of all sides. It's up to this committee to make sure HMOs are being built properly with enough space for people to live in. This is the future I'm afraid."

But Jacqueline Brown, ward councillor for Silverdale, remained opposed to the application, saying The Crown could be turned into more suitable accommodation.

She said: "I agree that it is admirable that the building is to be re-purposed. But that building could make two very good two-bedroom flats, with parking spaces in the existing beer garden.

"It didn't have to be an HMO, that's the point I'm making. There's an over-concentration of HMOs with associated problems in that locality."

advertisement

The plans for The Crown will include internal changes to create 12 en-suite bedrooms, with a communal kitchen and seating area on the ground floor.