An application to turn a Worcester home into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) has been approved despite opposition from neighbours.

The owners of the property in Richmond Hill, off Wyld’s Lane, initially planned to turn it into a five-bedroom HMO but have since reduced the number of bedrooms to three.

Planning documents say Lyra Court Ltd will ensure it meets all licensing requirements and be responsible for the day-to-day management of the house, including collecting rent payments and dealing with tenancy disputes.

Neighbours raised concerns the property becoming a HMO would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and add to the area’s existing traffic and parking problems.

Justin Korvin-Fox said: “The traffic and parking arrangements in both Richmond Hill and Richmond Road are already beyond stretched due to the already large number of HMOs in the road.

“A child at Stanley Road Primary School was struck by a car just before Christmas. I doubt very much that adding more cars to the area will be a positive contribution to a system that is already failing.”

Philip Harris said there have been parking problems in Wyld’s Lane for the 25 years he has lived there.

“I also imagine the neighbours each side of the property would prefer not to have multiple individuals causing noise or causing problems with parking,” he added.

Margaret London said an extension being built at the property will block out light to neighbouring homes.

She said: “Traffic and parking is already an issue, will this not just exacerbate the problem? Especially in an area with three schools.

“With a HMO, people do not have a stake in their community. Flats or a family home would be better. This is still predominantly a family neighbourhood.”

West Mercia Police said it has no concerns about anti-social behaviour and Worcestershire Highways said the change of use from home to HMO would not increase the demand for parking in the area.