Cllr Phil Hourahine voices strong opposition to a proposed HMO conversion amid concerns over existing saturation in the area.
Councillor Phil Hourahine, representing the St Julian’s ward, voiced strong opposition to a proposal for the conversion of a residential property at 176 Caerleon Road into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) during a recent meeting of the city’s planning committee. The proposal, presented by applicant Thomas Stratton, aims to transform the existing three-bedroom home into an HMO accommodating five individuals.
Cllr Hourahine articulated his concerns regarding the existing saturation of HMOs in the area, noting that there are currently 13 along Caerleon Road and an even greater number in neighbouring streets. He described the additional conversion as “neither wanted nor desirable” for the community. His sentiments were echoed by another ward member and a significant number of local residents—22 in total—who raised objections. One resident who previously operated an HMO nearby recounted experiences of complaints stemming from noise and parking issues, while another described the challenges of parking on Caerleon Road, calling it a “nightmare.”
The planning agent for the proposal, Lloyd Jones of LRJ Planning Ltd, argued that the property is situated in a “highly sustainable, built-up residential area,” and that converting it into an HMO would contribute to a mix of housing options that meet community needs. However, the proposal also required the creation of three additional parking spaces. Cllr Hourahine highlighted the ongoing issues with “traffic congestion” and insufficient parking in the area, asserting that converting family homes into HMOs adversely affects social cohesion.
A parking availability survey included in the application faced scrutiny, with the council’s highways department labelling it as “flawed.” Yet, traffic officer Kevin Jackson countered that evidence indicated sufficient parking availability at or near the property. Council planner Vicky Quinn added that parking demand associated with HMOs is “not considered to be a robust reason for refusing planning permission,” noting the location’s proximity to public transport and shopping facilities.
Senior planning officer Andrew Ferguson indicated a trend among inspectors who were increasingly supportive of applications when appeals were made against refusals citing parking problems. Since the implementation of the council’s planning guidance in 2015, there has been a noted shift towards accommodating changes in transport usage.
Despite Cllr Hourahine’s appeal for the committee to heed community discontent, stating that a “general principle of democracy is that we do things for people, not to people,” the committee ultimately sided with the recommendations of the planning officers. They granted planning permission for the conversion, subject to several specified conditions. This decision reflects a broader dialogue on housing policy and community needs as the council navigates increasing pressure on housing availability and urban living dynamics.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://news.wales/south/newport-council/delay-in-decision-on-proposed-hmo-conversion-in-newports-st-julians-area-2025-02-51490.html – This article supports the claim about the proposed HMO conversion at 176 Caerleon Road and the concerns raised by local residents and councillors regarding parking and the concentration of HMOs in the area.
- https://democracy.newport.gov.uk/documents/s31621/Development+Management+Planning+Application+Schedule.pdf?LLL=0 – This document provides details about the planning application for the HMO conversion, including concerns about parking and the impact on local character.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This source is mentioned as the origin of the article discussing Councillor Phil Hourahine’s opposition to the HMO proposal and the broader context of housing policy.
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance – While not directly related to the specific HMO proposal, this document provides general guidance on planning and development considerations, which can inform broader discussions on housing policy.
- https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-2 – This document is not directly relevant to the HMO proposal but highlights broader considerations in housing and community planning, such as assessing community needs and impacts.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative appears to be recent, as it discusses a specific planning committee meeting and decision. There is no indication that the content is recycled or outdated.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes from Cllr Phil Hourahine and other individuals are included, but no earlier online references could be found. This suggests they might be original to this report.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the South Wales Argus, a local news outlet. While not as prominent as national publications, it is generally considered reliable for local news.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the HMO proposal and community reactions are plausible given the context of local housing debates and planning decisions.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and based on a specific event, with quotes that seem original. The source is a local news outlet, which is generally reliable. The claims are plausible within the context of local housing issues.
