A plan has been submitted to convert the upper floors of a property in the heart of Kings Heath into a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO). The proposal covers the first and second floors of 72 High Street, which are currently used as vacant storage space.
Retail frontage to remain
The ground-floor retail unit will be retained to maintain an active frontage, in line with the character and function of the High Street within the Kings Heath District Centre. According to a design and access statement accompanying the application, the HMO use is acceptable in principle at this location and falls below the 10% threshold for HMO concentration in the area.
The number of bedrooms has been reduced from five to four, with all bedrooms featuring en-suite facilities. The plan includes a large kitchen and lounge area designed to improve layout and natural light.
Waste and amenity provisions
The proposed HMO will be served by two 240-litre general waste bins and one 240-litre recycling bin. These will be stored within an external amenity area with direct access to the rear alley for collection. The design and access statement notes that the conversion represents a sustainable, high-quality reuse of vacant space within Kings Heath District Centre.
The statement also highlights that the design meets all relevant space and amenity standards, and provides secure access along with adequate cycle and waste storage.
Local context and decision timeline
Kings Heath High Street is a busy retail area, and the retention of the ground-floor shop is intended to preserve the street's active frontage. The application will be decided by city planners by August 7. The local community is expected to have the opportunity to comment on the proposal before that date.
This conversion comes amid ongoing interest in HMO developments across Birmingham, particularly in areas with good transport links and local amenities. The 10% threshold mentioned in the application refers to a local policy aimed at preventing over-concentration of HMOs in any single area.
