FED-UP residents said their close-knit neighbourhood has turned into a “student ghetto” with landlords turning family homes into HMOs.

Residents on Nelson Street, Worcester, say the increased number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) has led to rowdy parties and caused parking chaos.

It is estimated there are around 14 HMOs on the 68-property street.

Nelson Road is just a mile from the main campus of the University of Worcester meaning most of the HMOs are likely occupied by students.

Residents are protesting after plans were submitted to convert another house - a three-storey detached property - into a five-bedroom HMO.

More dwellings on Nelson Road are becoming HMOs, which is upsetting the residentsMore dwellings on Nelson Road are becoming HMOs, which is upsetting the residents (Image: SWNS)

Jayne Lewis said: “The parking around here is a nightmare as it is and where are these residents and possibly another five cars going to park? 

“St John’s is becoming like a student ghetto.”

Linda Wilkes, 69, has been in the street for three decades and now lives next door to a HMO.

She said: “We didn’t notice it at first but more and more houses on the street were bought by landlords and rented out.

“It’s gradually got worse since they’ve been expanding the university.

Linda Wilkes is concerned about the number of HMOs appearing on the street.Linda Wilkes is concerned about the number of HMOs appearing on the street. (Image: SWNS)

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Rob Skinner, 82, lives on nearby Woodstock Road but says the situation is just as bad there.

The dad-of-two said: “We’ve got 14 or 15 per cent HMOs on Woodstock Road. Woodstock has parking restrictions from 11am to 3pm but that doesn’t seem to apply to students. 

“The landlords don’t seem interested. 

Rob Skinner is a resident on nearby Woodstock RoadRob Skinner is a resident on nearby Woodstock Road (Image: SWNS)

“There’s a worry that it could become a student ghetto.

A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: "We will not be commenting on this live planning application."

The University of Worcester said it was a matter for city planners to decide whether houses should be converted into HMOs.

In a statement, they said: “The University of Worcester has developed a substantial stock of purpose built student accommodation in the city.

"More than half of our students are studying to become nurses, midwives, teachers, doctors, physiotherapists, paramedics and for other vital professions."