Council Rejects 'Cramped' HMO Plan Over Crime and Space Concerns in Wolverhampton
Plans to convert a family home into a six-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) have been turned down by City of Wolverhampton Council, with officials raising serious concerns about potential crime increases and cramped living conditions.
Crime and Disorder Fears in Heath Town
The proposed conversion at Woden Road in the Heath Town area faced strong opposition from council planners who highlighted existing crime issues in the neighbourhood. A detailed council report stated that the wider area already experiences high levels of criminal activity, and the introduction of an HMO would likely exacerbate these problems.
The council's assessment warned that the development "would likely lead to the potential for further crime and disorder and add to the fear of crime and undermine community cohesion." This concern formed a central part of the refusal decision, with planners emphasising the need to protect residential areas from additional pressures.
Inadequate Space Standards Identified
Beyond crime concerns, the proposed HMO failed to meet basic space requirements according to council assessments. The majority of the planned rooms fell below established space standards, with communal areas including the kitchen, dining room and living room all deemed insufficient for six residents.
The council report specifically noted that the application by Dean Investment Properties had "failed to promote a safe and accessible environment" through its design proposals. This represents a significant failing in planning terms, as adequate space provision forms a fundamental requirement for HMO approvals.
Impact on Neighbourhood Character
Council planners expressed additional concerns about how the HMO would affect the local area's character and residential amenity. The change from a single-family dwelling to accommodation for six separate households would, according to the report, create "significantly greater" activity levels.
The assessment highlighted several specific impacts:
- Increased noise and disturbance at various times throughout day and night
- Greater comings and goings from multiple residents with different lifestyles
- Additional pressure on refuse collection facilities
- More intensive use of the property compared to family occupation
The council concluded that these factors would "detract from the present level and quality of residential amenity in the area" and create unacceptable living conditions for both HMO residents and neighbouring properties.
Proposed Development Details
The planning application sought permission for substantial alterations to the existing property, including:
- Demolition of a side extension
- Construction of a new rear extension
- Conversion of the loft space to create additional accommodation
These modifications would have facilitated the creation of six separate bedrooms within the HMO format, but council planners determined that the overall proposal failed to meet necessary standards for such developments in residential areas.
