A senior doctor has been granted permission to turn a historic Walsall building into a 17-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). The building, Hatherton House on Hatherton Street, is located within the Lichfield Street Conservation area.
Plans for NHS Staff Accommodation
Applicant Sue Boden, representing Walsall NHS Trust, submitted the proposal to transform the mid-19th-century property into 'quality accommodation for NHS staff'. Ms Boden noted that, based on her own experience, high-quality housing is 'lacking in the area'. The building was previously used as a nursery, adorned with large colourful polka dots from around 2013 until 2018 when it was restored to its classic white facade. It was put up for sale in early 2024 with offers invited in the region of £495,000, and its most recent use was as offices for Skills Training UK.
Conversion Details
The approved plans will convert the property into 17 bedrooms. Six of these will have en-suite facilities, while the remaining 11 will share toilet and washing facilities. The ground floor will include a utility room, and the first floor will feature a study room. Both floors will have shared kitchens. Fourteen car parking spaces will be available on site.
The applicant has stated that the external fabric of the building will be retained, with only minor, reversible alterations made. Agent En-plan commented: 'The works will have a positive impact upon the character and setting of the heritage asset by bringing the building back into use and stopping the further erosion of the building by lack of maintenance. The scheme respects the architectural character and heritage value of the building and the wider conservation area. It provides much-needed housing accommodation in a sustainable, town-centre location.'
