North Herts Council has refused plans for a Letchworth HMO to become a children’s home.

The applicant, Plande Planning Consultants, sought permission to change the use of the HMO at 44 Sparhawke Road to a home for up to four children.

In their decision, a council officer noted: “The key issue relates to whether the proposed change of use from a HMO to a residential dwelling is lawful.”

A supporting statement released by Plande Planning Consultants said the application would allow them to facilitate residential accommodation and care for children aged 11 to 18 who cannot stay with their families due to circumstances such as "neglect, abuse, family breakdown, or other traumatic experiences".

44 Sparhawke Road is currently a five bed HMO.44 Sparhawke Road is currently a five bed HMO. (Image: Google Maps) Two full-time carers would also be present at the property 24 hours a day "like parents", and no physical changes would be made inside or outside the home.

Despite this, the officer said: “There is a “lack of clear information” and details of the operation were “not precise” and “ambiguous”.

Plande's supporting statement also included plans to house children with learning difficulties or mental health issues. The planning officer argued that to facilitate this, further care would be necessary, therefore, the application should have requested the property became a care facility rather than a residential home.

The existing site features three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor, and two bedrooms, with en suite accommodations and general living accommodation on the ground floor.

The proposed floor plan is unchanged from the HMO.The proposed floor plan is unchanged from the HMO. (Image: Plande Planning Consultants) Neighbours commented on the application stating that they “strongly opposed” the plans due to fears of “anti-social behaviour”.

They said: “Sparhawke is a family neighbourhood which has many families with young children who would be vulnerable to the type of behaviour the proposed type of residents and the unsavoury visitors it could attract."