PLANS to convert a former bar in Barrow into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) have been given the green light by councillors.

Members of the planning committee for Barrow approved plans to transform the former Costello’s Bar on Ramsden Street into an eight-bedroom HMO on Tuesday.

The property will consist of a communal lounge, a kitchen and eight en-suite bedrooms.

The application received seven objections and a petition against the development had 14 signatures.

According to the report prepared for the planning committee, objectors said: “Almost every empty property is being bought by out-of-town developers to turn them into HMOs with complete disregard to local communities living in the area. Current HMOs are allegedly a source of anti-social behaviour.”

Objectors also spoke of concerns over the impact on parking in the local area and a report prepared for the meeting said occupiers would not be eligible for the residents’ parking scheme.

Mark Carroll, an agent speaking on behalf of applicant Sam Rowles, attempted to ease concerns over potential anti-social behaviour from the HMO.

He said: “The previous use must have caused some noise and probably contributed to some anti-social behaviour in the past. Concerns have been made about the change in use and anti-social behaviour however this property will be aimed at professionals such as doctors, nurses and BAE staff.”

Mr Carroll also spoke about the potential positive impact on the community the HMO would have and said tenants would shop in the local area.

He added there would be the ‘huge benefit’ of the property not being derelict which would otherwise contribute to anti-social behaviour. According to Mr Carroll police have already been called out to this property due to anti-social behaviour.

On concerns over a possible impact on parking in the area, Mr Carroll said many tenants will use public transport and won’t own private vehicles to which Councillor Bill McEwan (Ormsgill and Parkside, Labour) questioned and said: “You don’t know that.”