Residents hit out at plans to convert Grafton Street home into HMO

Residents have hit out at plans to turn a family home in Cambridge into a seven-bed house in multiple occupancy (HMO).

The proposals, which have been submitted to the city council for approval, also seek permission for a one-bed studio flat in the rear of the end-of-terrace property in Grafton Street.

Those living near Grafton House are concerned about the impact the transient nature of HMO tenants could have on community cohesion, as well as fearing an increase in traffic and footfall.

Russell Whitehead knows the area well, having been familiar with the Kite area for study or visiting family since 1980. He has lived with his wife in Grafton Street since 2003.

“Grafton Street itself is special but not unique. The youngest resident has just learnt to walk and the oldest will be 94 next birthday.

“There are council-owned homes, privately tenanted homes and owner-occupied homes.

“There are people working in all sorts of jobs and sectors. It’s a good place to live, as are the other streets around,” he told the Cambridge Independent.

But Richard continued: “There are blocks of flats and student halls of residence nearby but what is proposed for Grafton Street encroaches into the quiet and supportive atmosphere of the small streets.”

He said that he “simply can’t see any advantages” from the proposal for the area and its community.

“There are plenty of disadvantages, not least the cramped conditions for anyone who would live in the development.

“The only winner I can see is the person looking for a very high rental income from what was a nice family home. I believe the council’s duty is to put community and democracy before private profit,” he said.

Ayesha Siddiqi, who also lives in Grafton Street, told the Cambridge Independent that she is concerned about letting her five-year-old child play outside if the application is approved.

“I am hugely alarmed by this application,” she said. “For existing residents, weekends and evenings are already a challenge with too many visitors to the city centre taking up a lot of street space.

“For residents with small children or elderly residents on Grafton Street finding parking far away from their home is simply not an option.

“Additionally, besides parking, the street has relatively slow-moving traffic allowing our children to play or ride their bikes on the street.

“I simply cannot see how this will continue to be sustainable with a large influx of new short-term tenants residing on the street.”

A long-term resident of Grafton Street, who asked not to be named, added: “As a resident on the street for the last 25 years, I’m one of those who have expressed an objection because it seems to me that this form of HMO development represents a very significant change to our street’s form of occupation hitherto.

“Until recently enlightened by a local councillor I had presumed that the development of No 22 was into several flats for separate sale or rent, which would increase the numbers of residents but to which I would have little objection in light of the need for housing supply in Cambridge.

“But an HMO, of course, envisages something quite different: many continually changing, short-term

occupants – students I imagine in this case – who would completely alter not only the numbers, but also the lifestyles, noise levels, commitment to the community and therefore the character of this quiet residential street in the Kite.”

A total of seven objections have been lodged against the proposals, which will be decided by Cambridge City Council.

To comment on the application, visit the council’s planning website at greatercambridgeplanning.org and search for application 25/01440/FUL.