An application to turn a flat in an award-winning West End apartment block into students’ accommodation has been given conditional approval.
Dundee licensing committee granted the bid for flat J at 5 Balgay Road until the committee’s scheduled meeting in September, when the position will be reviewed.
West One Properties sought a House in Multiple Occupation licence to turn the flat from a two to a three-bedroom dwelling. The company also owns a two-person ground-floor flat.
Nine residents objected and claimed approval would lead to the downgrading of the building, which won a Satire Society design prize in 1972.
George Scott said there was a problem with the maintenance of the common areas.
The landings were swept but the stairwells were not and there was also evidence of existing West One tenants carelessly discarding cigarette ends outside.
He said the lifestyle of students was incompatible with the nature of the block and he was concerned the flat receiving HMO status would adversely affect the whole building.
Lee Chadwick of West One Properties said he had met the neighbours, including Mr Scott, to find out their concerns and try to address them.
“This is the first time I have heard about the cigarette ends and I will be speaking to my tenants to remind them of their responsibilities,” he stated.
“A housing association has the contract for the maintenance of the property and any problems should be raised with them. That is what we pay them for,” he said, adding he would contact the association concerned.
Mr Chadwick, who councillors heard had a good record as a landlord, said he vetted his tenants. The three who would be occupying the HMO would be students from Ninewells and would have to uphold standards.