AN application to turn a Blenheim Road bed and breakfast into a ten-room home for several occupants has been opposed by Minehead councillors after a neighbour claimed it could have “a catastrophic effect on the quality of life.”

Minehead Town Council’s planning committee was asked at its meeting on Tuesday to support an application to West Somerset Council for change of use for the Baytree B&B in Blenheim Road into a ten-unit HMO (house in multiple occupation).

But Maurice Wilkins, owner of Parkside holiday flats, next to the Baytree, objected, saying that the change could have a negative impact.

He said parking could become an issue if all ten of the residents owned cars, and there was the potential for noise and anti-social behaviour that could even drive visitors away from the town.

Mr Wilkins also said he questioned the current need for additional low-end accommodation in Minehead: “Five years ago there was a continual demand for bedsits and single accommodation but in the intervening time a great deal of small housing stock has been built or converted.”

The planning committee unanimously agreed not to support the change of use application.