Those living near 44 Ipswich Road in Tuckswood have said the eight-person house in multiple occupancy (HMO) has caused disruption in the area through late night parties and motorbikes revving in the garden.

The detached property has operated as a HMO since 2022, despite the council never granting permission for it to do so.

The building had previously spent more than three decades as a group home for MENCAP, a charity which housed adults with learning disabilities.

Locals on Ipswich Road have raised concerns about late night parties and motorbike revving (Image: Google)

The organisation vacated the premises in December 2021.

It has since been converted into an eight-bedroom rental by Suhel Aklakuzzaman, who is now applying retrospectively to legalise the arrangement.

However neighbours have lodged several objections with Norwich City Council, complaining of garden parties with loud music running late into the night and the sound of motorbike engines disturbing the surrounding area.

One local described "an atmosphere of freedom that encroaches on the neighbours".

Another said: ”Just because someone is living in a room at 44 Ipswich Road should not give them the right to host barbecues daily for their friends that create a party atmosphere and disturbances.”

Locals have also warned that that Ipswich Road is a known 'rat run' and the small drive on the property means tenants' cars will have to be parked on the street.

However officers have recommended that the plans be approved.

Norwich City Council's planning committee is set to vote on the application this week (Image: Newsquest)

In the documents, they said the site meets local standards, provides affordable rent provisions, and that there are conditions in place to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.

As part of the proposed agreement, a binding condition requires the landlord to tackle any form of anti-social behaviour or risk losing the HMO license. 

The application comes as South Norfolk Council, which covers parts of the city outskirts, has announced plans to clamp down on HMOs.

It has launched an investigation into ways to limit landlords turning properties into house shares amid warnings they are “destroying” community life in areas such as Bowthorpe and Costessey.

A decision is expected to be made at a planning meeting on Thursday. 

© Norwich Evening News