A Blackwood home at the centre of a heated planning dispute has been vandalised, sparking further community concerns. The property on Albany Road, a street known for its tight-knit families, was recently damaged with broken windows and graffiti. This comes amid plans to transform the house into an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) by developer D2 Propco, a move that has faced strong local opposition.
Hundreds of residents have rallied together, signing petitions and raising objections to the council. They worry about the impact on community cohesion and parking, especially with a primary school nearby. Resident Phil Bolton criticised the lack of community consultation, claiming council officers ignored attempts for dialogue.
Councillor Andrew Farina-Childs expressed concerns about the change, emphasising that the area is predominantly for families. He also questioned the real number of HMOs in Blackwood, suggesting many go unlicensed and unnoticed.
On the flip side, D2 Propco’s James Driscoll defended the development, highlighting plans for CCTV and a 24-hour support system for any issues that might arise. He assured that any occupants failing to adhere to tenancy agreements would be swiftly dealt with and insisted that the company wants to maintain a positive relationship with area residents.
Despite emotional appeals, the planning committee ultimately approved the proposal. Councillor Shane Williams dismissed fears about future occupiers as irrelevant to planning considerations and condemned the spread of ‘fear’ and ‘hatred’ surrounding the matter.
Away from the committee, Councillor Kevin Etheridge called for better community communication and education on HMOs. He believes a lack of transparency has fuelled local frustrations, and such issues need addressing to prevent future unrest. The decision has left some feeling unheard, and they’re asking for more engagement from local authorities.
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