Two more applications to turn properties in a borough into bedsits have been submitted to a local authority.

They would convert an office building in Accrington town centre and a family home in Church into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

IDC Projects have asked Hyndburn Council for planning permission to convert the property in Cannon Street into nine bedsits.

They would cover four floors of the office building including the basement, and would be turned into one-room flats with communal dining and kitchen facilities.

Carly Wilson is seeking a lawful use certificate to transform a mid-terraced two-bedroom family home in Maden Street, Church, into an HMO.

It would contain four bedsits for single occupants.

Lancashire Telegraph: A HMO plan has been submitted for Cannon Street, AccringtonA HMO plan has been submitted for Cannon Street, Accrington

The applications come as Hyndburn Council officers prepare new planning guidance for proposals to create HMOs and small care homes in the borough to deal with the rapidly growing number of such bids.

Neighbouring Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley Councils have both taken action to increase planning controls governing bedsit conversions.

A supporting statement with the application for Maden Street in Church reads: "The proposal involves converting the existing two-bedroom mid-terrace property into a four-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO).

"This change of use from a dwelling house to a small HMO is designed to accommodate up to four single occupants.

"The property will undergo minor alterations to facilitate this conversion including removing all chimney breasts within all rooms to improve spatial standards throughout.

"The first reception room will be repurposed as bedroom one.

"The second reception room will be transformed into a communal living/dining/kitchen area,

"The living/dining/kitchen area provides generous space for communal activities and social interaction, significantly enriching the occupants' living experience.

"It will be equipped with contemporary cooking facilities, substantial storage, and extensive food preparation areas ensuring a practical and welcoming environment for all residents.

"The existing kitchen will become bedroom two.

"The first floor's layout will see the bedrooms maintained in their current configuration.

"However, the existing family bathroom will undergo remodelling to create two separate rooms: one will serve as a bathroom equipped with a shower, toilet, and sink, and the other will be a separate WC, featuring a toilet and sink, to enhance convenience and privacy.

"The provision of detailed information to tenants, alongside the enforcement of anti-social behaviour policies, aims to ensure that the HMO's presence integrates harmoniously within the community, addressing concerns related to noise and nuisance effectively."