Simple Living project sparks objection

Reporter: CHARLOTTE COURT
Date published: 16 September 2014


Residents have reacted angrily to a planning application to turn a former residential home into private “Simple Living” rooms.

Over 250 locals signed a petition within two days against the development of the former Yew Trees Residential Home in Sycamore Avenue, Chadderton, into a 19-bed block.

Simple Living allows people looking for one-bedroomed property to rent a room and make use of shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, with all bills included.

Resident Andrea Flint (41), whose property sits back-to-back with the old home, said: “This isn’t the right area for this kind of accommodation. We don’t want another 19 people coming into the area. We’re also concerned the building may affect houses prices.”

The local objections arose when residents found it difficult to find out from planners what was being proposed for the former home, whch closed last year.

Councillor David Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, planning and transport, later explained how the Simple Living system works.

Miss Flint said. “I don’t know why the council couldn’t have shared this information with us from the start. But we’re still not happy and will continue to object.”

The building already has residential permission because of its former use, so the council’s hands are tied.

Councillor Hibbert - who represents Chadderton South - said, “I understand people may be upset and frightened because they are unsure about what will happen. It may be they are worrying unnecessarily and will see that the people who take up the shared accommodation option are fine to live next to.”