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In a significant development for the Brownhills community, planning permission has been granted for the conversion of a bungalow at 205 High Street into an eight-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). This decision comes despite considerable pushback from local residents who fear the impact on their community. The proposed changes will involve significant alterations to the existing structure, including a three-meter extension to the rear and a height increase of
1.8 meters. This revamped dwelling will cater to tenants with five ground floor bedrooms featuring en-suite showers and additional shower-equipped rooms on the first floor, alongside shared communal facilities.
Residents have vocalised their apprehensions regarding the conversion through a petition signed by 39 individuals, highlighting anticipated issues such as increased noise, loss of privacy, potential antisocial behaviour, and concerns over traffic and parking capacity. Local law enforcement has advised that enhanced security measures should be implemented to alleviate potential tensions among residents, particularly in HMOs. This marks Morethan Property Ltd’s second bid for permission at this location, following a previous rejection of their proposal for a three-storey building consisting of seven self-contained apartments due to concerns related to its proximity to neighbouring houses and the resultant pollution from heightened traffic.
To address community concerns, Walsall Council has mandated specific conditions before construction can commence, including the submission of detailed plans concerning rubbish disposal and landscaping, as well as ensuring adequate construction and drainage of parking areas in advance of tenant occupancy.
Key Takeaways
- The Brownhills bungalow is set to be converted into an eight-bedroom HMO despite significant resident opposition.
- Local residents raised concerns about noise, privacy, and increased traffic, prompting a petition against the HMO plans.
- Approval conditions include detailed plans for waste management and proper drainage to address community concerns.
Planning Approval and Design Features
Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of a bungalow at 205 High Street, Brownhills, into an eight-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), amidst objections from local residents. The approved design includes extending the building by three meters at the rear and increasing its height by
1.8 meters to accommodate additional rooms. The HMO will feature five shower-equipped bedrooms on the ground floor and three on the first floor, complemented by shared communal spaces such as a kitchen, dining, and living area (Walsall Council, 2024). Residents expressed their concerns through a petition that gathered 39 signatures, citing issues such as noise disturbances, privacy concerns, antisocial behaviour, and traffic and parking problems. In response, local police have recommended increased security measures for HMOs to alleviate potential conflicts among tenants. This marks Morethan Property Ltd’s second attempt to secure planning permission for the site. Their initial proposal to replace the bungalow with a three-storey building containing seven self-contained apartments was declined in January 2024, primarily due to issues regarding the proximity to neighbouring homes and the potential for increased traffic-related pollution (The Express and Star, 2024). As a condition of the planning approval, Walsall Council has mandated that the applicant submits detailed plans for a bin store and landscaping prior to the commencement of development and ensures that parking areas are constructed and adequately drained before tenant occupancy.
Resident Concerns and Community Response
Local residents in Brownhills have expressed strong opposition to the approved conversion of a bungalow at 205 High Street into an eight-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). The concerns raised through a community petition included increased noise and privacy issues, with 39 signatures highlighting fears of antisocial behaviour and inadequate parking, as the area may struggle to accommodate additional vehicles from multiple tenants. In light of these worries, local law enforcement has suggested implementing stricter security measures to help create a peaceful living environment amid the potential influx of residents (Walsall Council, 2024). The approval of this HMO follows an earlier application by Morethan Property Ltd, which was rejected due to similar concerns, emphasizing the community’s ongoing vigilance regarding developments that might disrupt local living standards. As such, the situation reflects broader tensions between development needs and residential comfort, illustrating the challenges faced by councils in balancing these competing interests.
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