PLANNERS have given the thumbs-up to a proposal for a new HMO (house of multiple occupancy) in central Newport.

The building, at 43 Stow Hill, previously served as the offices for the Samaritans charity.

Planning permission has now been granted, with conditions, for the property to be converted into a six-bedroom HMO.

A HMO is a property lived in by two or more households who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. They are most commonly lived in by students and young professionals.

Despite an objection from a member of the public, council planners decided the proposal "would not exceed the HMO density threshold" of the neighbourhood.

"As such there would not be an adverse impact on the residential character and appearance of the surrounding area," the planners said.

Documents show the proposed HMO will be laid out over four floors.

As well as the six bedrooms, the property will contain two bathrooms and four shower rooms, three large lounge areas with kitchenettes, another separate lounge, and a main communal kitchen area.  

Recently, the Argus has reported on general concerns about HMOs in Newport - but in this case, only one objection was lodged.

"If given approval, this will help to destroy Newport as a newly developing city," the objection read. "There is so much valuable history around Stow Hill that should be celebrated.

"I have no objections to HMOs, but surely they should be distributed around Newport and not concentrated in one particular area of the town centre."

The application received no response from the police nor council departments, except for the head of city services, who noted "sustainability will be high" and there was a short walk from the property to the city centre.

Approval for the development has been granted, subject to conditions.

One of the conditions imposed by council planners is for the developers to contribute to affordable housing in the city.

As part of the agreement, some £2,064 will have to be paid for off-site affordable housing.

Additionally, the HMO cannot be occupied until the developers submit plans for waste and recycling storage, and for secure bicycle storage, and have those plans approved by the council.