PLANS to increase the number of people living in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Wrexham to 14 have been thrown out amid concerns over a shortage of on-street parking.

The owner of the property on Erddig Road, near the town centre, was previously given permission to house eight residents.

In February, Andrew Shields applied to Wrexham Council to change the layout by creating seven double bedrooms to boost the amount of tenants.

The application was recommended for approval by officers from the local authority’s planning department.

However, councillors rejected the scheme yesterday after they were told of neighbours’ concerns about traffic and parking, as well as claims about rubbish piling up outside the house.

Local resident Richard Fogg said he was also worried about the potential for overcrowding if the proposals went ahead.

Speaking at a planning committee meeting at Wrexham’s Guildhall, he said: “There are currently a couple of problems with the property as it is.

“There are bins permanently left outside blocking the pavement and causing a hazard and there are usually between three and five cars parked.

“The plans that I’ve seen look to create a very crowded living arrangement, especially in regard to kitchens, toilets and shower facilities.

“The parking problem is compounded by a number of factors, including that there is no parking whatsoever from numbers 76 to 84.”

Despite the issues raised, chief planning officer Lawrence Isted said the proposals would help to address the demand for HMO accommodation in the town.

In a report published ahead of the meeting, he added that many people living in rented properties did not own cars and would be more likely to use public transport.

But his claim was disputed by Cllr Alun Jenkins, who represents the area the property is located in.

He said: “People feel very upset and very strongly about this.

“It’s on a narrow section of Erddig Road in front of this terrace with very narrow pavements on both sides and therefore very limited space for parking in front of the properties.

“There is a great shortage of parking spaces at night and great concern.

“There was great surprise as well as disappointment when today’s report was seen to be recommending approval.”

Mr Shields also spoke at the meeting in support of his application.

He said the level of complaints he received about the property from neighbours was low.

He added that there was a high demand from couples in the area who wanted to rent a room in shared accommodation.

However, the majority of councillors chose to vote against his proposals because of the impact on parking.