Plans for a 12-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) in a former Willenhall DIY shop have been refused by Walsall Council's planning committee, despite officers recommending approval. The decision, made on June 18, cited oversaturation of HMOs in the town, negative effects on community cohesion, and harm to the surrounding character of the area.
Petition and community opposition
A petition signed by nearly 900 residents opposed the conversion of 116-118 Lower Lichfield Street, the former Roy Birch's hardware shop. Concerns included inadequate parking provision, waste storage issues, and potential antisocial behaviour. Willenhall ward Councillor Simran Cheema, who launched the petition, spoke against the plans at the committee meeting, highlighting community safety risks.
Direct line of sight into dance school
Fears were raised about the direct line of sight from two bedroom windows of the proposed HMO into the Classic Academy of Dance opposite. Councillor Cheema said the school informed her it would have to close if the application was approved. Walsall Council noted that while the academy is responsible for safeguarding measures, the building is Locally Listed, making frosted windows 'undesirable'. The applicant proposed glazed windows as mitigation, but Councillor John Murray argued tenants could simply open them, rendering the glazing pointless.
Applicant's response
The building owner, Dr Matha, spoke in favour of the proposal, stating it was a project in memory of his recently deceased daughter. He emphasised he was not a 'typical property developer' and wanted to support less fortunate people in the area.
Committee debate and decision
Several committee members leaned toward refusal but worried the decision would be overturned by a planning inspector, costing Walsall taxpayers. Planning officers suggested approving with a condition to fix the windows shut, but members voted to refuse outright on grounds of HMO oversaturation, community cohesion, and area character.
