A planning application to convert the first and second floors of 6 Lower Captain Street in Coleraine into a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation has been approved by the council’s planning committee.

During an August meeting, members voted nine in favour and four against the proposal, following the recommendation of planning officers.

The application attracted 41 letters of objection. Concerns raised included the lack of need for an HMO on the street, impact on local character, pressure on services and infrastructure, parking, noise and antisocial behaviour, and the effect on property values. Objectors also questioned room sizes and the risk of overcrowding.

A planning officer told the committee that bedroom dimensions had been assessed under HMO guidance and were considered acceptable. The officer stated that because the upper floors already had residential use and the site lies within the town centre, the change to HMO status would not be substantially detrimental to the character of the area.

On waste management, the officer said adequate external space exists for bin storage. Consultation with Environmental Health and the NI Houses in Multiple Occupation unit raised no objections. The committee was told that any future noise or antisocial behaviour issues would be handled by the Environmental Health team, and that responsible management of the property should include procedures to address such matters.