Controversial plans to convert a vacant shop into a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in a Birmingham suburb are poised to get the green light from council planners, despite strong objections from the local MP.
MP and Residents Voice Strong Opposition
The application, seeking permission to change the use of the property at 1726-1728 Pershore Road in Cotteridge, has attracted approximately 30 objections. Among the most prominent critics is Labour MP Al Carns, who represents the area.
Mr Carns argued that the local community is already under strain from the existing concentration of HMOs and that adding another would exacerbate the problem. He also expressed specific concerns about the potential for anti-social behaviour from future tenants.
These sentiments were echoed by local residents, who fear that a further increase in HMOs could undermine community cohesion and create an over-saturation of such properties in their neighbourhood.
Council Report Counters Objections
However, a Birmingham City Council officer's report has recommended the plans for approval. The report directly addressed the primary concerns, providing a data-driven counter-argument.
It revealed that within a 100-metre radius of the application site, just over seven per cent of dwellings are currently used as HMOs. This equates to nine properties in total.
The report stated that the proposal complies with a key council policy, which permits such a change of use where it does not result in more than 10 per cent of dwellings within the defined area being used as HMOs.
Furthermore, the officer highlighted that West Midlands Police raised no objections to the proposed change of use, leading to the conclusion that there were no sustainable grounds to resist the scheme based on fears of anti-social behaviour.
School Proximity Concerns Dismissed
Objectors had also pointed to the close proximity of Cotteridge Junior and Infant School, which is directly opposite the site. They worried about the potential impact on pupils' safety and the school environment.
The council officer's response was firm, stating that assumptions cannot be made over who the future occupiers of the proposed development would be. The report found no evidence to suggest the HMO would unduly impact the school or lead to an increase in crime.
The officer also clarified a crucial point for the debate around supported housing, confirming that this HMO would not be exempt accommodation.
The final decision now rests with Birmingham City Council’s planning committee, which is scheduled to consider the recommendation for approval at its meeting on Thursday, November 20.
