Thursday January 29th 2026
Byers Road, West End
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
West End residents have objected to a neighbouring house being turned into a new HMO over concerns about noise through “thin walls”.
The owner of the terraced house was granted a HMO licence yesterday at the city’s licensing committee despite worries over noise carrying and poor sound insulation.
The owner of the Clarence Drive property Calum MacCalman applied for a HMO licence to rent accommodation to three people.
Resident Robert Wilson described the “houses as small and compact and closely packed together” with “thin walls”.
Raising concerns there is a a potential for a rise in noise from the property when three tenants move in, he said: “Noise carries easily between the houses. It is already a concern.
“I believe it is unsuitable for use as a HMO.”
Another neighbour who also opposed the HMO licence bid said: “My objection is about the suitability of the property. We know there is very poor sound insulation.”
A representative of Mr MacCalman said the property has been fully refurbished, has its own door and tenants will be handpicked.
He said tenants are encouraged to have “good neighbourly relations”.
The meeting also heard how a family could be noisier with children running up and down the stairs and that landlords have more control over a HMO property if there are any issues.
The committee granted the HMO licence subject to conditions.
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