We are calling on South Tyneside Council to refuse planning application 250773, which seeks permission to convert 13 Hall Road, Hebburn into a seven-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

This proposal would have a significant and harmful impact on the character of our street, the surrounding neighbourhood, and the amenity of nearby residents.

A Residential Street of Family Homes

Hall Road is a quiet residential street made up predominantly of single-household family homes. It is not an area characterised by high-density or transient living. Introducing a large seven-bedroom HMO would represent an over-intensive use of the property that is entirely out of keeping with the established character of the locality.

Such a development would fundamentally alter the nature of the street, undermining the stability, cohesion, and sense of community that currently exists.

Impact on the Hebburn Hall Conservation Area

The application property sits within, or in close proximity to, the Hebburn Hall Conservation Area, where there is a statutory duty to preserve and enhance the area’s special character.

While the proposed changes may largely be internal, the use of the building is a key material consideration. A large HMO introduces increased activity, turnover of occupants, and day-to-day disturbance that is incompatible with the conservation area’s residential character. This proposal fails to preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area and conflicts with local and national planning policy.

Harm to Residential Amenity

A seven-bedroom HMO would result in a marked increase in comings and goings, including residents, visitors, deliveries, and service providers, at all hours. This level of activity would be significantly greater than that of a typical family home and would be harmful to the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers.

Residents are particularly concerned about:

• Increased noise and disturbance
• Loss of privacy to adjoining homes and outside space
• The cumulative impact of intensified use on a very quiet street
• The effect of multiple bathrooms, staircases, and shared living areas on adjoining properties
• Parking and Highway Pressure

Parking on and around Hall Road is already under considerable pressure due to:

• Nearby commercial premises
• Surrounding residential flats with limited or no parking
• Existing on-street parking demand from neighbouring roads

An HMO of this size would likely result in multiple vehicles associated with one property, further exacerbating parking congestion and creating inconvenience and safety concerns for existing residents.

Loss of a Family Home

At a time when there is a clear need for family housing, the permanent loss of a family home to a high-density HMO use is deeply concerning. This proposal prioritises maximising occupancy over maintaining a balanced and sustainable residential community.

A Relevant Planning Precedent

A similar planning application at 250708, involving a comparable property, was previously refused for many of the same reasons now being raised by residents. Allowing this application would represent an inconsistent approach to decision-making and undermine confidence in the planning process.

Our Request

We respectfully urge South Tyneside Council to:

• Refuse planning application 250773
• Protect the character of Hall Road and the Hebburn Hall Conservation Area
• Safeguard the amenity of existing residents
• Ensure planning decisions reflect the long-term wellbeing of the local community

Important note:

While this petition helps demonstrate the level of local concern and support, it is still essential that individual residents submit their own formal objections directly to South Tyneside Council’s Planning Department. Planning decisions are based on formal representations, so submitting an objection by email or through the planning portal ensures your concerns are properly taken into account.

By signing this petition, you are supporting residents in calling for responsible, balanced development that respects the character of established neighbourhoods.