ANGRY residents are calling on civic chiefs to ditch plans for a new HMO in Southampton.

Residents are claiming that a new house of multiple occupations (HMO) on Burton Road would cause a “further imbalance” with the ratio of family homes to HMOs, and claiming that HMOs are the reason for an increase in crime and noise nuisance.

One resident even said that the area was “submerged” with HMO properties.

Plans were put to Southampton City Council to turn 14 Burton Road into a house of multiple occupations.

The application was put to civic chiefs on January 20.

In a letter to the council, Lorraine Barter said: “The area is high in crime statistics and in the nearest main road, Archers Road it is said that some people do not like to venture out in the dark .

“Having kept a dairy of crime and noise nuisance for 20 years I can verify that HMO use is connected to anti social behaviour, night noise and criminal damage .

“Do not even think that the Council can control or prevent noise in many cases.”

Mr S. Morris said in a letter: “Harmful to character and amenity.

“The use of the property and activity associated with the change of use to class C4 HMO means the use would be detrimental to the amenities of nearby residents.”

Peter Barratt also said: “The area is groaning - submerged - inundated with HMO property.

“Surely enough is enough. I object.”

Plans show that the house would have three bedrooms - one on the ground floor and two on the second floor.

As well as this, the house would have a reception room leading into the kitchen and a utility room with a downstairs toilet.

A bathroom would be situated upstairs.