Officials for Norwich City Council said the proposal for Portland House on Prince of Wales Road "is considered acceptable in principle".

Letting company Trizone Ltd put forward the plans for the site in December 2024 and will now be able to convert the fourth floor of the site, next to Kwik Fit, into a seven-bed HMO.

Agents for the company said in the planning papers, the development would be used for young professionals.

They said: "Unlike purpose-built student accommodation, which often cater to transient populations, HMOs for young professionals foster longer-term tenancies where a change of use will encourage greater engagement with the local community, strengthening social cohesion and creating a sense of belonging in the city centre."

They also added: "Repurposing student accommodation to HMOs, aimed at professionals, can ease pressure on traditional housing markets.

"This change is expected to help meet the rising demand for affordable and flexible rental options, reducing strain on family homes and first-time buyer properties, in surrounding areas."

Norfolk Police were also consulted as part of the application and advised on how people who move into the flats can be kept safe.

They said doors to the building must be secure enough to reduce the chances of the site becoming effected "adversely from anti-social behaviour" before its conversion to a seven-bed HMO.

Planners for the council also stated arrangements for CCTV and external lighting are already in place on the site for the current student accommodation.

The ground floor plan, showing the existing cycle and bin storage, has been provided, and "secure measures" are in place to ensure safety.

Trizone has three years to begin work on converting the property otherwise its planning permission will expire.

© Norwich Evening News