A proposal to convert a family home in Kingshurst into a five-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) with an attached studio flat has been refused by Solihull Council planners due to concerns over inadequate living space.
Application Details
Applicant Mr Rai submitted a change of use application for the property on Hemlingford Road, Kingshurst, in March. The plan involved creating a five-bedroom HMO with each room having its own en-suite, plus a separate studio flat for an additional resident. The HMO kitchen would be on the ground floor, with bedrooms spread across the ground, first, and second floors.
Under current regulations, landlords can convert a family home into an HMO for up to six people without planning permission. However, the inclusion of the studio flat required formal approval.
Refusal Decision
On July 20, Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement service, issued a refusal decision. The officer stated that the studio flat's internal ground and first floor areas measured only approximately 26.5 square metres, falling well below the government's minimum standard of 58 square metres for a one-bed, two-storey dwelling, including storage space.
“On this basis, the proposal would not provide adequate habitable living and amenity space for existing or future occupiers,” the officer wrote.
Impact and Next Steps
The refusal means the property will remain a family home unless alternative plans are submitted. The application (reference PL/2026/00463/PPFL) can still be viewed on Solihull Council's planning portal. This decision highlights the council's commitment to enforcing minimum space standards for new dwellings, even when part of a larger HMO conversion.
