A 12-bedroom shared home could be created in Stockton under plans being considered by the council.

It is proposed to add a two-storey extension to a property to create the house in multiple occupation (HMO) on Prince Regent Street in central Stockton, above a commercial property on the ground floor. Stockton Council has been asked for planning permission for the extension to the first floor with the removal of an existing pitched roof.

“The unit is already in residential occupation and the proposed use would provide an additional residential unit in a sustainable location with the Stockton town centre boundary,” says a heritage, design and access statement from agents SJD Architects.

“The proposed development due to its scale, orientation and design principles will have little or no impact on the amenity of neighbours or a negative effect on the conservation area. It is considered due to the condition and design of many of the existing neighbouring buildings that the proposals will offer a positive contribution to the conservation area and this part of the urban fabric.

“Access to the flats is from the rear alley (West Row) and whilst this is not ideal, it is considered that this route is lit and part of the town centre and opposite a public pocket park and car park, so is not isolated. Cycle and bin storage areas have been incorporated for commercial and residential amenity.

“The existing window openings and room arrangements are maintained. Therefore, it is considered that the development will have no adverse impact on loss of privacy for neighbours or occupants.”

In a separate planning application, Properties For Better Living Ltd has asked for consent to change a seven-bedroom HMO to an eight-bedroom HMO on Shaftesbury Street, Oxbridge, Stockton. They promise a high-quality refurbishment with en-suites to all bedrooms, “ensuring the occupants experience a high standard of living, combined with reduced, fixed costs”.

Agent Drawmyextension.co.uk says in its statement to the council: “Upon initial inspection, the property is severely dilapidated and in need of refurbishment.

“The proposal will not have an external impact on the property, other than it will now benefit from been (sic) maintained and cleaned for the foreseeable future. It is hoped that the show of investment into the area will encourage other people to invest in the area, benefiting the entire community.

“The gardens will be cleaned and maintained regularly and if needed boundary treatments will be replaced with like for like. The proposed house in multiple occupation will be refurbished to a very high standard and each bedroom will have their own private shower room with built in amenities and furniture to all bedrooms.

“The property will be extremely energy efficient and extremely comfortable… We believe the proposed change of class use is very minor and therefore the impact minimal at best.

“The proposal will be a welcomed investment to the area and what can be considered a dilapidated and unused property can be brought back in to use, offering affordable yet luxury living accommodation to all future occupants.”