Decision on plans for 9-bed HMO on Smethwick street to be appealed

The decision to refuse plans for a 9-bed HMO on a Smethwick street is being appealed.

An application was submitted to Sandwell Council for plans to convert a property at 1 Queens Street, Smethwick, into a 9-bed HMO in May.

Sandwell Council rejected the proposals in July after receiving a wave of objections from neighbours.

A total of 64 objections were lodged with the council during public consultation and the authority’s planners received a 100-signature petition against the new HMO.

An online petition opposing the HMO was signed by more than 700 people. Objectors said the HMO was “out of character” for the area and would result in more noise and create the potential for anti-social behaviour.

The online petition warned the HMO would “disrupt the harmony and safety [the community had] cherished for years.”

Sandwell Council’s planners rejected the proposal agreeing with objectors that it would lead to greater disturbances. However, residents have now recieved letters stating that the decision is being appealed.

The council letter, seen by the Express & Star, reads: “I am writing to let you know that an appeal has been made to The Planning Inspectorate in respect of the above site. The appeal follows Refusal by this Council.

“The appeal is to be determined on the basis of written representations. The procedure to be followed is set out in Part 1 of the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Written Representations Procedure) (England) Regulations 2009.

“As this appeal is proceeding under the Part 1 process, there is no opportunity for you to submit comments. However, we have forwarded all the representations made to us on the application to the Planning Inspectorate and the appellant. These will be considered by the Inspector when determining the appeal.”

If residents wish to withdraw their objections, they are given 4 weeks to do so.

However, the home could still be converted into a six-bed HMO without requiring planning permission from the council.

A planning report outlining the rejection said: “The application property is a detached dwelling, where the existing level of activity would typically be associated with that of a single-family household in terms of noise, comings and goings, and the times at which these occur.

“In contrast, occupants of an HMO are likely to live largely independently of one another, resulting in an increase in the number and frequency of comings and goings, together with a greater number of visitors and deliveries.

“Consequently, given the number of proposed residents, the HMO use would give rise to increased noise and disturbance, to the detriment of the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers.

“Highways officers have advised that the proposal is deficient by one off-street parking space.

“As the provision of an additional space would conflict with the existing bus stop on Queens Road, adequate parking cannot be provided within the site and clear of the highway.”