Neighbours are opposing plans to expand and convert an Ipswich house into an eight-bedroom multiple occupation home claiming the "area is already out of control".

The house located at 196 St Helen's Street in Ipswich is currently used as a six-bed HMO (house in multiple occupation) and a flat. 

The new plans include the demolition of the flat and the conversion of the building into an eight-bed HMO. 

There would also be a communal kitchen and dining area, as well as en-suite bathrooms for all the rooms. 

One of the neighbours objected to the planning request, saying: "I feel there is already an out of control HMO licensing being issued within the immediate area.  

"Over the last few years the vicinity has deteriorated due to antisocial behaviour, untidiness of the area due to excess bins not being collected and left all over the place.  

"With having a licence for eight rooms I know it will increase waste and untidiness for e.g. the lack of space at the front of the house will definitely not allow up to eight bins." 

Suffolk Constabulary suggested special recommendations to ensure the safety of the new development as the area has "moderately high crime rates". 

427 incidents were recorded by police within the area surrounding this location between July 31, 2022, and July 30, 2023.  

This included seven crimes related to domestic burglaries, 15 related to anti-social behaviour, 33 related to more serious assaults like actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, seven related to robbery, 13 related to the possession of drugs, including five in relation to the supply of drugs, and 18 related to the theft of pedal cycles. 

The police guidance includes setting up a building access control system operated by a card or fob, a visitor door entry system with audio and video functions, and the installation of a CCTV system.