In a dual decision reflecting the complexities of local planning, Dudley Council has simultaneously rejected a house in multiple occupation (HMO) application while granting permission for the restoration of a historic listed building. The contrasting outcomes highlight the council's stringent approach to evidence requirements and its commitment to preserving architectural heritage.
HMO Application Thrown Out Over Evidence Shortfall
Planners at Dudley Council have refused to issue a lawful development certificate for a proposed six-bedroom HMO at a two-storey end terrace property on Selborne Road. The applicant argued that the building had been in use as an HMO since July 2023, predating a council regulation introduced later that requires planning permission for smaller HMOs.
A report from council officers noted that while documents such as a Council Tax bill from March 2025, a location plan, and fire strategy plans indicated the property's current use as an HMO, they were insufficient to prove continuous operation before the rule change. "The application states that the change of use to a HMO occurred on 27th July 2023 and that this use has continued uninterrupted since that date," the report stated. "However, no further supporting evidence has been provided."
Consequently, due to this lack of corroborative evidence, the council concluded that it could not certify the HMO as lawful under the previous regulations, leading to the application's refusal.
Victorian-Style Restoration Approved for Listed Building
In a separate but concurrent decision, Dudley Council has approved plans for significant works at Drayton House, a listed building located on Stone Street. The project involves replacing a 1990s shop front with a Victorian-style design, which planners believe will enhance the property's historic character and align better with its nineteenth-century origins.
Enhancing Architectural Heritage
The approved works extend beyond the facade, including the conversion of the upper floors into a residential flat. Modern features, such as an existing staircase, will be removed to restore the building's original aesthetic, while historic elements will be carefully retained and preserved.
Council officers praised the proposals in their report, stating: "The proposals are considered to preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building and sustain the character and appearance of the conservation area." This approval underscores the council's dedication to maintaining and improving Dudley's architectural heritage, ensuring that historic buildings contribute positively to the local environment.
These decisions illustrate Dudley Council's balanced approach to urban planning, where rigorous evidence standards for new developments go hand-in-hand with supportive measures for heritage conservation, shaping the borough's future while honouring its past.
