PLANS to develop a new house in multiple occupation (HMO) at a former community building in Caerau have been given the go-ahead despite objections from local residents.
The application was heard by members of Bridgend Council’s planning committee in August of 2025, for a six-bed HMO to be created at the site in Caerau Road.
It requested a change of use for the detached building once used as a senior citizens hall to contain six en-suite bedrooms and communal shared facilities for “unrelated individuals”.
The report read: “The submitted plans show that the existing building will be altered internally on the ground and first floor to accommodate the change of use.
“The first floor would comprise of four en-suite bedrooms. The ground floor would comprise of two en-suite bedrooms and an open plan living/dining area.”
Speaking at the meeting Councillor Paul Davies of Caerau urged members to oppose the plans which he felt could lead to an over-intensification of this type of property – with several other HMOs operating within a short distance.
A formal objection raised by Maesteg Town Council echoed these concerns.
As well as two letters of objection a community petition with 21 signatures was also received by the authority, with residents saying they feared the potential for anti-social behaviour and noise with added pressures on parking along the terraced street.
One representation said: “There are double yellow lines outside the property and parking opposite is currently at saturation point”.
However, officers said they recommended the development which they felt would not be detrimental to the area, with site visits showing there were places to park on the street.
Additionally, they added that anti-social behaviour was outside the remit of planning, though noted there was no “compelling evidence” to suggest a HMO of this scale would result in increased levels of crime.
The plans were later approved unanimously by members of the committee.
