A proposal to transform a former DIY shop in Willenhall, which served the community for over five decades, into a 12-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) has been recommended for approval by Walsall Council officers. The fate of the property at 116-118 Lower Lichfield Street will be decided by the council’s planning committee on Thursday, June 18.
History of the Property
The building was home to Roy Birch’s hardware shop for more than 50 years until Mr Birch retired in 2023 at the age of 92. Located within the Willenhall Conservation Area, the property was put on the market last year with offers invited in the region of £300,000. Unauthorised works to the shop frontage and interior led to an enforcement case being opened by the council, which is currently on hold pending the planning application.
Community Opposition
A petition launched by Councillor Simran Cheema against the plans has gathered 884 signatures. Objectors have raised concerns about the oversaturation of HMOs in Willenhall, inadequate parking provision, and insufficient waste storage. Eight formal objections were submitted by members of the public, echoing similar worries.
Additionally, fears were expressed about the direct line of sight from two bedroom windows of the proposed HMO into the Classic Academy of Dance opposite. The council noted that while it is the academy’s responsibility to implement appropriate safeguarding measures, the building’s locally listed status makes frosted windows ‘not desirable’. Instead, the applicant has proposed to mitigate the issue by adding glazed windows in the two bedrooms.
Council Recommendation
Council officers have recommended approval for the application by Shereen Enterprise, stating that the works would cause ‘less than substantial harm’ to the conservation area. They argued that the creation of much-needed accommodation and the reuse of a vacant building would provide significant public benefits.
The decision will be made by a newly-formed planning committee following the Reform takeover at the Walsall Council elections last month.
