Hartlepool property developer hits back in police HMO dispute.

A property developer has replied to police concerns over HMOs in Hartlepool, stating there is a “stigma” that has to be addressed.

Hartlepool Borough Council has received applications to change the use of 27 Tankerville Street from two self-contained apartments to a “high quality” six-bedroom house with multiple occupancy.

Liam Lewis of BNL Property has applied for retrospective authorisation after the conversion was completed earlier this year.

Following an objection from Cleveland Police, who expressed concerns about the number of HMOs in the region, Mr. Lewis stated:

“There’s a strong stigma attached to HMOs in the area, with people believing they house asylum seekers, drug addicts, or whatever.

“There’s a really bad stigma that’s getting bandied around and I’m trying to shake that off.” A HMO is made up of bricks and mortar; it is a property.

HMOs are not a problem if properly handled by a qualified landlord, like myself.”

Mr Lewis, of Hartlepool, claimed he spent £110,000 on 27 Tankerville Street after purchasing it in January and restoring it over six months.

HMOs are a solution to a housing crisis, as high living costs make it difficult for people to obtain or heat a home.

His company presently operates four HMOs in Hartlepool, with renovations beginning to construct an additional eight-bed HMO in Church Square.

He emphasised that his properties only accommodate professionals and students, that all rentals are thoroughly vetted, and that no complaints have been received to date.

Mr. Lewis kept going: “All of those rooms are full, which just shows there is big demand for this type of accommodation.”

What I’m attempting to accomplish is transform these old buildings into adequate, really attractive, comfortable, and inexpensive housing for professionals living in the neighbourhood, as well as students visiting the town.”

He said that the Northern School of Art’s expansion has boosted demand even further. The planning agency plans to make a decision on the applications later this month.

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