PLANS to turn a former office block into a home for eight people have been met with anger by residents.

Homeowners in the area argue the proposals for an eight-bed House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) at Atlas House, Kearsley, would create traffic disruption for the local community, specifically causing problems with parking.

Area councillor Mark Cunningham said the application had caused “great concern” and cited the Kearsley Area Forum, held on Monday, where residents explained their worries about the plans.

He explained: “Kearsley is a small area and putting HMOs there, while they might not be massive, can make a major impact on the community.

“There’s no available parking. We feel like this has been hoisted on us to be honest, something like this can massively change the character of the area.”

Paul T Lajszczak is director of Atlas House Project Ltd, which put the proposal in.

He said the aim of the HMO was to “bring the property back to life” and “lift up the local economy and bring positive impact for residents”.

He said: “In regards to parking we are working on an agreement with the pub owners opposite to be able to use the large parking space they currently have, which is empty during the night and only partly occupied during the day, we’re also commencing talks with our neighbour which has parking spaces available for use.

“We are open to any conversations with residents and more than happy to explain and resolve any potential issues they may have.”