A proposal to transform a substantial five-bedroom house in Risca into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) capable of accommodating up to ten residents has ignited considerable local debate. The application, submitted by landlord Jaman Hussain, seeks permission from Caerphilly County Borough Council to alter 75 St Mary Street – also known as Braemore – into a facility that would be one of the largest HMOs in the region.
HMOs are shared accommodations where unrelated people typically have private bedrooms but share communal elements such as kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. In this case, the developer’s plan involves a significant internal reconfiguration. Documents provided to the council reveal that a sitting room, the reception area, and a study on the ground floor would all be converted into additional bedrooms. Meanwhile, one existing bedroom upstairs would turn into a shared lounge for residents.
According to a supporting design statement accompanying the application, the landlord’s intention is to “create a high-quality, well-managed, and sustainable HMO,” addressing a widely felt demand for affordable rental housing in Risca. The area currently suffers from a pronounced shortage of rental options, with council figures showing that more than 6,000 individuals remain on the housing waiting list in the county borough.
Yet the ambitious scheme has not been met with unanimous support. Risca Town Council has officially raised objections against the proposal, listing concerns primarily related to access and local infrastructure. Their submitted response highlights the prominent location of the house fronting the B4591, arguing that vehicular and pedestrian access would be inadequate for a property of this size and occupancy. The council went on to express apprehension about the lack of parking availability for multiple cars, as well as the suitability of local services such as healthcare and schools for a sudden increase in residents.
Further, concerns have been raised over the capacity of the area’s drainage infrastructure, and potential fire risks associated with housing so many people in a building originally designed for single-family occupation. These objections echo wider debates seen in many parts of the UK about balancing the need for affordable, flexible rental accommodation with community cohesion and local infrastructure pressures.
The planning application is currently subject to a formal public consultation, giving local residents and stakeholders an opportunity to submit their views. The full plans and supporting documentation are available to view on Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning portal, under reference number 25/0444/FULL.
This proposal comes at a time of intensifying demand for accessible rental housing in South Wales. With economic pressures and rising house prices, more people – including single professionals, couples, and young families – are seeking affordable alternatives to traditional home ownership. Supporters argue that responsibly managed HMOs can provide just such accommodation.
Yet, uncertainty remains over how successfully such projects can be integrated into established neighbourhoods. Critics warn that inadequate planning for items such as parking, refuse collection, and access to essential services could negatively impact both new residents and the existing community.
As the consultation period continues, all eyes will be on how Caerphilly County Borough Council chooses to balance these competing pressures. Their eventual decision could set a precedent for further HMO developments across the area as local authorities seek to address housing shortages while maintaining the quality and safety of local environments.
In the interim, the case stands as a microcosm of the housing issues facing many UK towns and cities — the challenge of accommodating growing populations, managing the expectations of existing residents, and ensuring that vital infrastructure keeps pace with development. Local residents, landlords, and policymakers will be watching closely as the outcome unfolds.