‘More space in prison’ - 12-bed HMO on Pershore Road refused by Birmingham City Council

A twelve-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Cotteridge was refused by councillors this week after residents raised concerns over its location near a school.

The HMO located on Pershore Road, was proposed to change from a shop and a set of flats into a large twelve-bedroom house.

The report, discussed at a planning committee this week, had over 55 letters of objections from residents in Cotteridge. Many of their objections related to cramped living conditions, lack of parking, and existing occupiers of the building would be made homeless.

A letter of objection was also received by the council from Labour councillor Mary Locke who raised concerns about a large number of HMOs already in the area.

According to data from the Local Planning Authority, four HMOs are already within 100 metres of the proposed building. Three are used as support accommodation. The report noted the building would comply with Birmingham city council’s planning policy.

But objectors noted the close proximity of the HMO to Cotteridge Junior and Infant school – directly opposite the site. The report concluded that the HMO should be approved subject to conditions.

What did residents say about the plans?

A local residents who objected against the development said the HMO was so small “you would have more space when you’re in prison.” He said: “How many councillors here have lived in a shared house? I’ve lived in shared houses for many years before I bought a house.

“The most people I shared with was five. It was in one house. I actually knew the people so we had quite a lot of fun. We were working and had plenty of money to spend with no kids.

The objector brandished a measuring tape in the committee room to show the adjusted amount of space in the living room. “It’s 1.18 metres. That is the new adjusted amount that you’ll have as a communal area in the lounge. Can you imagine living in accommodation like that? You would get more space when you’re in prison. You would expect Priti Patel to send someone rather than a Labour council.”

Drug dealers are common in the area, the objector claimed, and said the individuals who may live in the home will “go out and buy an out-of-date strong can of lager. They will sit around the benches and outside the schools when we have it already. It’s not going to be very pleasant for mums and young kids.”

Support for HMO

Sarah Jones, a planning consultant for Claremont Planning Consultancy, spoke in support of the HMO.

She said the accommodation was of “high quality” and had reduced the number of bedrooms available from 14 to 12.

“The loss of the site’s existing retail use has been accepted by council offices, given the site’s out-of-centre location. The retail unit is vacant and derelict and the proposed works to restore the building frontage will provide an improvement to the street scene.

“Officers have also confirmed that the proposal is not harmful to the character of the area and will not result in an over concentration of HMOs in this area.

Liberal Democrat councillor Colin Green said few people will choose to share a house with others.

He said: “The building is currently one large shop and could easily be converted into six flats, I think it would enhance the street scene, and improve the derelict building, and add to the supply of housing.

“It will be much better for the people who will end up living there.”

The report was refused with four votes against, two in favour, and one abstention.

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