The decision whether to grant permission to expand a multiple occupation house near Ipswich town centre has been deferred due to concerns about the number of rubbish bins on site.

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. 

Councillor Carole Jones raised the issue that the house would potentially need to have 16 bins located in the rear garden of the site, which could be problematic for the residents.

Cllr Jones also added that objections received by neighbours are significant for this application and need to be considered as part of the committee's deliberations. 

Councillor Sam Murray added that noise concerns should be addressed when reviewing the application. 

Prior to the meeting, neighbours had objected to the plans, with one saying there is "already an out of control HMO licensing being issued within the immediate area".  

In documents to the planning committee, the neighbour said: "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. 

Ipswich Borough Council’s planning and development committee postponed making the decision until further information and a management plan are provided.