THE woman behind the plans to turn a former Wombwell bank into a 17-bed property has hit back at the critics - and is hopeful of improving the area.

The four-storey building is situated on High Street and was formerly the Natwest branch.

The ground floor of the studio is currently used as a tattoo parlour, but plans have recently been submitted to the council to turn the upper three floors of the site - which are currently vacant - into a 17-bed HMO.

The rooms would each be ten metres squared - meeting the national and council requirements for a shared house - and there would be shared dining facilities.

A planning report states that the plans should be approved by the council as it would boost the local economy and add more living space to the area.

Local councillors have criticised the plans, stating that parking, bins and the ‘oversupply of HMOs’ are of issue.

However Theresa Arnold, who owns the tattoo parlour and has submitted the plans, believes it is positive for the area.

She told the Chronicle: “The upstairs of the building has been left unused for the past eight years.

“I’m trying to get more people to come onto High Street.

“I’m trying to turn the old buildings into something that brings footfall to the area.

“It’ll be more of a hotel style than a HMO.

“The people there will be on longer tenancies and it’ll be managed well.

“There’ll be no rubbish.”

Ten neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with public consultation due to end on November 27.

A target decision date has been set for December 9.