Owners of one of the last remaining family homes on Sunbury Avenue, in West Jesmond, have received approval to convert their property into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) after struggling to sell it.
Of the 51 homes on the street, 48 are now rented out to students, mainly from Newcastle University, and the increasing concentration of student HMOs has led to complaints from some residents.
Planning documents revealed that potential buyers had expressed negative feedback about the number of student properties in the area, making it difficult to sell the house as a family home.
As a result, the owners sought permission to change the property’s use to a five-bedroom HMO. Despite concerns raised by some residents, including the Jesmond Residents Association, the Newcastle City Council planning committee approved the application by a narrow vote of four to three.
There were 17 objections to the proposal, with many citing the overconcentration of student HMOs and concerns about anti-social behaviour.
One objection highlighted the loss of a spacious family home close to a good school. However, the application did have support, including from one of the two non-student residents remaining on the street.
Christopher Wanche, who has lived in the area for 39 years, commented that the streets are peaceful during the summer months when students are away. He described students as friendly and helpful, suggesting that their presence has not been disruptive.
The owners had previously attempted to sell the property, but with little success due to the dominance of student accommodation in the area. One supportive comment stated that the area had already "lost to students" and that without permission for the HMO, the couple would be unable to move.
This approval reflects a broader trend in Jesmond, where increasing numbers of student HMOs are replacing family homes, prompting both support and concern from residents.
The decision to allow the conversion of 32 Sunbury Avenue marks a significant shift in the neighbourhood, with the city council’s approval signalling the growing influence of student accommodation in residential areas.