WORRIED neighbours have sent dozens of planning objections to the council over a proposal to turn two semi-detached houses into 15-bed accommodation.

The scheme for the building at 548 and 550 Huntington Road has attracted about 50 complaints to the planning department from residents worried about traffic, dangerous parking, and congestion - so many that it is likely to go before a committee of councillors for determination, rather than a planning official.

Under the plans the developer wants to turn the building - originally two semi-detached houses but now one home and one office - into two houses of multiple occupancy with a total of 15 bedrooms, shared kitchens and living areas, and parking spaces behind.

Neighbours like Terry Gray are worried that the development will bring noise, nuisance and congestion to their street.

Mr Gray said: "There's only parking for five residents and two visitors, and cars can't be parked on the road outside because there is a bus stop."

Mr Gray said he and his neighbours believe cars parked on the road, or reversing out of the drive which is on a bend and the brow of a hill, will be dangerous.

With many children using the road to walk to school, they do not think the development should be allowed, and they are worried that the higher occupancy levels will create noise and nuisance.

Mr Gray added: "The developer is saying it is for professional people, but what happens if he sells it on? It could be for students or a homeless hostel.

"It's totally out of keeping with the area."

Residents are also worried that the 15 double bedrooms could mean as many as 30 people move into the houses, but planning agent Melissa Madge has confirmed that under the tenancy agreements all 15 bedrooms would all be single occupancy.

She said that concerns from neighbours and planning officials alike meant there were likely to be some revisions to the plans, and added: "My client's business is providing accommodation for professional people, and given the standard of accommodation and the finish he wants to achieve, it is not the type of place that would be rented to students or people who are not employed."