HMO plans turned down over flood risk

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Plans for a HMO in Ystrad Mynach have been refused on flood-risk grounds.

Caerphilly County Borough Council planners said applicant Tony Jordon had “failed to adequately address the impacts of flooding” on the property at 36 Penallta Road.

He had proposed converting the “disused” building into a HMO (house in multiple occupation) by transforming ground- and first-floor office space into five bedrooms.

HMOs are typically properties for single, unrelated adults who have their own private bedrooms but share other communal areas.

A council report shows the application drew six objections during a recent public consultation period, with concerns including antisocial behaviour, noise and disruption.

Objectors also said the redevelopment could impact local parking and service pressures.

But their concerns were mostly dismissed by planning officers, who said there was “no empirical evidence” of more antisocial behaviour or noise.

However, they shared concerns about the flood risk at the property.

The planners noted residential developments are “highly vulnerable” in flooding terms and said environment agency was also concerned “inadequate information has been provided in support of the proposal”.

The officers refused planning permission, concluding the applicant had failed to “prove that there would not be a detrimental impact on the water environment”.