Eight-bed HMO plan approved for Brownhills bungalow

Permission has been granted to turn a Brownhills bungalow into an eight-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation, despite opposition from nearby residents. The former offices at 205 High Street will have a 3 metre rear and 1.8 metre roof extension to make room for the development.

Once complete, the property will have five bedrooms, each with a shower, a communal mixed-use kitchen, dining and living space and entrance hall on the ground floor, plus three bedrooms with a shower each on the first floor. The plans make no specific mention of any toilets. Tenants will benefit from eight parking spaces and a shared garden area.

READ MORE: Have your say on increasing number of HMOs in Walsall

A petition objecting the plans garnered 39 signatures over concerns of unacceptable noise and privacy to existing residents, potential problems with antisocial behaviour, and traffic and parking issues.

Houses of multiple occupation are known for increasing demand on local resources. In shared areas used by more than five people, the risk of conflict is higher. West Midlands Police recommends enhanced security measures, including CCTV, suitable lighting, secure doors, and mail systems to reduce conflict.

It’s the second planning permission submitted by applicant Morethan Property Ltd. The last one, which wasn’t for an HMO, proposed to demolish the bungalow and replace it with a three storey building for seven self-contained one-bedroom apartments.

It was refused in January 2024 by Walsall Council due to the proximity of the building to a nearby home, and the position of the vehicle access which could lead to unacceptable pollution to nearby properties for noise, light and fumes.

For the latest, approved, planning permission, Walsall Council’s planning officers have set out the following conditions. Prior to the commencement of the development the applicant must produce specifications for a bin store and for hard and soft landscaping surrounding the building.

Before allowing tenants to move in, the access, turning area and parking facilities must have been hard surfaced, drained with no loose stone and also provide details of a bicycle shelter which must be covered and illuminated.