A SOUTHAMPTON care home could be turned into a 13 room HMO.

Precious Care Home on Cobbett Road in Bitterne Park could be turned into a house of multiple occupations if plans are approved by civic chiefs.

Proposals that were submitted to Southampton City Council detail plans to turn the care home into a 13 room HMO.

But plans have been met with objections from residents of the road, who claim the HMO could "harm" the character and amenity of the area.

The property was put on the market 18 months ago after the closure of Precious Care Home.

The care home, which housed 15 people, closed as the costs of running it increased, both in terms of wages and the need to comply with modern standards.

The care home was too small to remain viable which lead to its closure.

The property is within a residential area consisting of detached and semi-detached properties.

The property would be used by young professionals via a company let.

On the ground floor, there would be five rooms, a communal bathroom, kitchen and living room.

On the first floor there would be six rooms and a further two rooms on the second floor within the roof space.

All of the rooms would be fitted with en-suite facilities and no external alterations have been proposed for the property.

However, the proposals have been met with objections from neighbours in the area.

Miss Singh of Cobbett Road said in a letter to the council: "Our first concern is regarding the effect that a HMO may have in terms of meeting the housing demand and the harm to the character and amenity of the area.

"There are 16 one bedroom flats available for rent in less than a quarter mile radius of 35 Cobbett Road.

"Thus meaning the availability of dwellings for young professionals is not exacerbated in the area in any capacity."

Mrs Carre of Cobbett Road said in a letter: "The proposed development will have an adverse effect on the residential amenities of neighbours with increase in noise and disturbance from traffic, increased levels of noise due to the proposed amount of occupiers, which could amount to 26 if couples reside there and not taking into account any visitors to the premises."