Nightmare neighbours are damaging a West End Conservation Area, residents have claimed.
A landlord is attempting to get a house in multiple occupancy (HMO) certificate for a Westfield Place property but neighbours are hoping to stop the application in its tracks.
In a letter to the city’s licensing committee, objector Professor Robert Horner says the quiet street has been plagued by rowdy student residents, who have attracted gulls by leaving overflowing bins on the road.
Parking has also become difficult, he said, while in the past he has had to deal with smashed bottles outside his house and noisy students returning home at 4am.
The academic added: “The excessive concentration of HMO properties is now adversely affecting the character of the Perth Road conservation area, especially in cases like 8 Westfield Place, which is a very large property with poor access and little available parking.
“Conservation areas where the property is older in character need the special care and responsible approach to amenities that come from people who live there permanently.
“The presence of HMOs reduces the number of permanent residents and discourages the purchase of property by potential permanent residents.
“(The University of Dundee) and others have been conscientious in providing purpose-built accommodation for students on or close to their campuses.
“This has resulted in a reduction in demand for student accommodation in properties and areas less well suited to students’ needs, obviating the requirement to create still more HMOs, especially in conservation areas.”
The committee will decide on application, as well as eight others, on Thursday.