PLANS to increase the number of people living in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Wrexham to 14 look set to be approved despite concerns about overcrowding.

The owner of the property on Erddig Road, near the town centre, currently has permission to house eight residents living in separate single bedrooms.

However, Andrew Shields is now looking to change the layout by reducing the number of bedrooms from eight to seven and converting them into double bedrooms to boost the amount of tenants.

Neighbours have expressed concerns that the building is not adequate to accommodate 14 people and that it could lead to parking problems on the street.

Their views have been supported by the area’s county councillor Alun Jenkins.

Outlining his objections in a report set to go before Wrexham Council’s planning committee next week, Cllr Jenkins said: “It cannot be acceptable either in planning or in licensing terms for what was an original four-bedroom terraced house to house 14 people.

“The facilities within the property are barely sufficient for the present eight residents.

“This is surely not the type of residential property that we would want to be encouraging in Wrexham.

“There is no space for the provision of off-street car parking, so any cars or vehicles owned by the residents would have to be parked on the already overcrowded streets, so that application cannot comply with the council’s parking standards.

“This part of Erddig Road is at the heart of a conservation area, and the creation of such sub-standard housing would be completely unacceptable and out of keeping with the area.”

Despite the issues raised, the scheme has been backed for approval by the council’s chief planning officer.

In a report, Lawrence Isted said it would help to address the demand for HMO accommodation in the town.

He added that many people living in rented properties did not own cars and would be more likely to use public transport.

He said: “The applicant wishes to upgrade the property and respond to changing patterns of demand with the new rooms providing a higher standard of accommodation.

“The proposal seeks to reduce the number of bedrooms from eight to seven and on the basis of the new standard the parking requirement is identical.

“The proposal will provide an opportunity to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and preserve the area’s character.

“The sustainable location reduces the requirement for occupiers to be reliant upon a car, with the property in close proximity to the main roads, bus routes, employment, access to shops and health and community facilities.”

The plans will be discussed by councillors at a meeting being held at Wrexham’s Guildhall on Monday, September 2.