Councillors are set to decide on controversial plans to extend a HMO in St John’s.

The owners of the property in Comer Road had originally submitted plans to build a two-storey side and rear extension, transforming the existing four-bedroom HMO (house of multiple occupation) into an eight-bedroom property.

But after concerns were raised by planning officers, revised plans for a two-storey side extension and a single-storey rear extension were drafted, taking the proposed number of bedrooms to six.

The application will be discussed by Worcester City Council’s planning committee on Thursday, June 20.

Cllr Robyn Norfolk referred it to the committee, saying she had worries over fire safety, the “over concentration of HMOs in the area”, sewage and water pressure issues, parking and access, the impact on neighbouring properties and the size of the proposed bedrooms.

“The proposed application would disproportionately affect the residential amenity of the area, deviating from established local expectations,” said Cllr Norfolk.

“Given the existing dominance of HMOs on Comer Road and nearby streets, this extension could potentially generate tensions, undermining the cohesive fabric of the local community and altering the residential character of the area.

“The proposed application would disproportionately affect the residential amenity of the area, deviating from established local expectations.

“Given the existing dominance of HMOs on Comer Road and nearby streets, this extension could potentially generate tensions, undermining the cohesive fabric of the local community and altering the residential character of the area.”

Neighbours also raised concerns over the proposals, with Scott Meacham saying: “The conversion of this property may lead to a tipping point of no return and result into an unplanned change to the amenity and character of the area and would have long term irreversible consequences to the local community.”

Planning officers are recommending that councillors approve the plans, saying in a report “the proposed extensions as amended would not detract unacceptably from the character or appearance of the surrounding area”.

But members of the planning committee will have the final decision.