Police have advised that there be CCTV installed along with a robust communal door and access system at a potential house of multiple occupancy (HMO) near the railway station after 139 incidents were recorded over a one-year period.

Concerns have been raised by residents and authorities over plans for a new nine-bed HMO in Willoughby Road.

Residents who live in nearby roads have raised concerns around parking at the site, which would increase traffic, and also the fact that pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with buggies will find it "particularly difficult to navigate the street with the amount of bins required".

People are also concerned about the potential increase in noise pollution.

Plans for the house were submitted in May, with consultees being contacted to share their thoughts on the application.

The house in Willoughby RoadThe house in Willoughby Road (Image: Google Maps)

Suffolk police said that between May 28, 2023 and May 27 this year there were 139 incidents in the immediate vicinity of the application site.

The police have said they do not object to the application but they do recommend that measures are taken to reduce the risk of crime.

They said that checks should be made to ensure there is no climbing aids close to the boundary, and there is a visitor door entry system and an electronic access control system.

A CCTV system should also be installed with warning signs displayed to advise that cameras are in use.

In relation to the parking, with there only being three spaces for nine bedrooms, the police has strongly advised that a management plan is provided on how they are going to manage the parking.

Suffolk Highways has said that the lack of parking spaces is generally acceptable due to the public transport links and services that are within a walking distance.

Cycle storage needs to be provided, however.