Sunbury Avenue in the West Jesmond suburb of Newcastle has become predominantly occupied by students, with 48 out of its 51 houses rented to Newcastle University students. This shift has sparked controversy as the owners of one of the last remaining family homes at 32 Sunbury Avenue sought permission to convert it into a house of multiple occupation (HMO). Despite objections, Newcastle City Council's planning committee approved the conversion on January 17 by a narrow vote of 4 to 3.
The decision to permit the transformation followed significant challenges faced by the owners in selling the house as a family home. Potential buyers had raised concerns about the "overconcentration of HMOs leading to anti-social behaviour," according to the Jesmond Residents Association. This feedback deterred prospective family buyers, pushing the owners to apply for an HMO conversion.
The application received 17 objections, highlighting issues such as anti-social behaviour and the loss of family homes near reputable schools. These objections included one from the Jesmond Residents Association, which expressed concern over the "overconcentration of HMOs leading to anti-social behaviour." The resistance underscores a broader community sentiment against the changing landscape of Sunbury Avenue.
In contrast, five comments supported the application, with one supporter arguing that the area was already "lost to students," thus making it difficult for homeowners to relocate without converting their properties. This perspective reflects a pragmatic acceptance of the area's demographic shift, suggesting that transformation is inevitable.
Christopher Wanche, a resident on Sunbury Avenue for 39 years, lamented the changes, noting that the street, once filled with families, now grapples with challenges stemming from its student population. His observations highlight the neighborhood's evolution over decades, reflecting broader trends impacting urban areas near universities.
The planning documents detailed the unsuccessful attempts by the owners of 32 Sunbury Avenue to market their property as a family home. They attributed this failure to "negative feedback from potential buyers regarding the number of student HMOs." These insights align with the owners' statement submitted to planners, emphasizing their predicament in a rapidly changing neighborhood.
