Plans for a house to convert into an eight-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO), which has received a number of objections and complaints is set to be discussed.

Ipswich Borough Council will discuss the plans for the property in St Helen's Street, which is currently used as a six-bed HMO and a flat.

These plans, which were submitted in July, received objections, with one resident stating they feel there is already an "out of control HMO licencing being issued within the immediate area".

The area also has "moderately high crime rates" according to Suffolk police, with a recorded 427 incidents in the surrounding area between July 31, 2022 and July 30, 2023.

It wasn't just residents concerned over the plans – councillor Carole Jones also raised fears about the property potentially needing 16 bins located in the rear garden of the site.

Mrs Jones has recently spoken about wanting to control the number of small HMOs in the town.

Despite all this, the application is being recommended to grant approval subject to conditions being followed.

These include the development being done in accordance with the approved plans, a submission of details for secure cycle storage, refuse/recycle storage and biodiversity enhancements, and the HMO should be managed and operated in strict accordance with the submitted management plan.

Should the plans be approved, a communal kitchen and dining area will be built, with each bedroom having an en-suite bathroom.

Suffolk police did not raise any objections to the plans.

The plans will be discussed by the council on Wednesday, October 18.