CONCERNS have been raised that plans to transform a building in the city centre into a large 15-bed HMO could contribute to anti-social behaviour.

Plans have been submitted to Southend Council to convert 9-11 West Road, Southend – near the Last Post Wetherspoon pub – into a house of multiple occupancy.

Over recent years, the property has been used partially as offices but mainly as an Airbnb/short stay accommodation.

However, the applicants argue the site could be more beneficial if converted into a house in multiple occupation.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for the Kursaal ward, worried about the impact the plans would have.

A number of concerns have been raised in recent years of the prevalence of HMOs across the city.

Mr Dent said: “I have a lot of concerns about this.

“It is a very big HMO in a very busy, very central location.

“I don’t think it will be an ideal place for people to live, and in an area which already has anti-social behaviour concerns I worry that introducing an oversized HMO will make matters worse.”

Despite this, the applicant, Oliver Hall, insisted there is a demand for “this type of property” in Southend.

The plans stated: “The proposal seeks to convert the main building and rear building into an HMO with shared facilities and en-suites where possible.

“In some instances where we cannot provide an en-suite within the room, we have provided an off-suite dedicated to a bedroom with no shared access but for the tenant of that room.

“We are aware there is a demand for this type of property in the area “The amount of traffic on foot to the property currently compared to the proposed use would be a lot less. With the short-term accommodation, there is a lot of tenants coming and going whereas for a HMO, the tenants are located at the property for a lot longer.

“With the property being close to the high street, a HMO here would attract a lot of potential tenants, especially with the good local transport links close by.

“Overall, the conversion to HMO is a viable option for a building that is too large for a single dwelling house.

“With a well-managed HMO this would become a good accommodation for future tenants.”