Emma Hardy MP, alongside St Andrew’s and Docklands ward councillors, has launched a petition opposing controversial plans to convert the former Portland Hotel on Paragon Street into a 122-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The proposal has sparked widespread concern among residents and local leaders.
The objection is not to the building being brought back into residential use, but to the scale and nature of the proposed HMO. The building, which has stood vacant since 2012, is in need of investment and regeneration. However, cramming 122 individuals into a single development raises serious concerns about overcrowding and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour in an already vulnerable city centre.
Emma Hardy MP stated: “The city centre does need regenerating and part of that regeneration should include good-quality, affordable accommodation.
“What it does not need are proposals to cram as many people as possible into the available space.
“This kind of development risks undermining our ambition to improve safety and community cohesion in the city centre.”
Cllr Leanne Fudge echoed these concerns: “We’ve called in this application because we want guarantees that this won’t simply replace one problem with another.
“The building is an eyesore and needs investment, but the answer isn’t a mega-HMO. We need homes that meet proper standards.
“Local residents and our city centre deserve better.”
The petition is now live and gathering support from residents and community groups who want to see responsible, sustainable development in Hull’s city centre.
Residents can sign the petition here- Labour Surveys