COUNCILLORS are "mindful to refuse" plans to turn a Barrow terrace property into eight accommodation units following a meeting attended by around 40 objectors today.

Members of Barrow Borough Council's planning committee voted unanimously to say they were "mindful to refuse" a new 'house of multiple occupancy' (HMO) in Park Avenue, Barrow, which would contain seven en-suite bedrooms with shared facilities and a separate studio.

READ MORE: Fears over Barrow housing development

Many neighbours in Park Avenue object to the plans submitted by applicant Matthew Johnson due to issues including parking, safety and overcrowding.

Planning documents had recommended councillors approve the conversion subject to conditions today.

However, Councillor Ann Thomson, proposed a motion of "mindful to refuse" the application in its current state, which was backed by all other members present.

It means the application will next be heard at the next available meeting of the committee.

A total of 25 letters against the application have been received by the council, with issues around protecting the neighbourhood's character, privacy and noise also raised.

Under current rules, a six-bed HMO can be provided without consent.

Reacting to the decision, spokeswoman for the group of objectors said: "It's brilliant. I think what's important and the point we want to get across to everybody is over-development is something that could happen on anybody's street."

*For more coverage, see tomorrow's Evening Mail.