New Solihull HMO opens despite long string of objections

The applicant behind a 13 bed HMO for homeless people in Solihull has two years to prove it will be a success. The Hollies had faced objections from nearby residents who raised issues of a potential rise in anti-social behaviour, crime, and highlighted the site was “too isolated” from amenities.

But, during a planning meeting earlier this year, a passionate speech from a resident who said the HMO supported him to turn his life round helped convince Solihull Council ’s planning committee to give their backing. Applicant Solihull Supported Housing was originally turned down for permission to convert the Balsall Common guest house into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) in February 2022 - but despite this it has been used as a HMO since.

During the public speaking section, resident Wayne Fletcher said: “After the break up of my 15 year marriage and the death of my mother and father I was left homeless and vulnerable. I turned to drugs as a coping mechanism and ended up sleeping rough.

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“Through Solihull Council I was referred to The Hollies to provide temporary accommodation. Their support helped me get back on track. The Hollies is peaceful, a calming place. Due to The Hollies I have been drug free for two years. It scares me to think where I would be now without the support of the Hollies.”

Berkswell Parish councillor Richard Drake said: “This is not a sustainable or suitable location for a HMO. Neighbours report a significant level of unacceptable behaviour from residents.

“This is a retrospective application because the site has operated as a HMO despite the previous application being refused. This is a serious undermining of the authority of this committee. This application should be refused.”

Council officers said in their report: “Further evidence and justification has been submitted by the applicant to demonstrate previous areas of concern have now been overcome." Planning officer Kim Allen said the “ultimate aim” was to move those who lived there onto permanent accommodation pointing out since it had begun out of 57 residents, 42 had successfully moved on.

In recommending it for approval officers suggested conditions on the scheme include that there can only be 13 tenants at a time and permission be granted for two years - the applicant having to resubmit the application in 2026. During the debate Councillor Martin McCarthy said: “Having made a site visit many of the concerns we had were fairly well addressed.”

Former councillor Maggie Allen, sitting on the committee at the time, said: “I have no hesitation in supporting this - we have a dire need for this sort of accommodation for homeless people. If we refuse this application what will happen to the residents who are there now - are we just going to throw them back on the streets?”

Councillor Richard Holt, chairman of the planning committee, said he had sympathy with the view the location was not ideal. “But that’s part of its appeal I think - to give a retreat for many people who have had terrible life events,” Coun Holt said.

“I commend the gentlemen who came here - you have our sympathies in terms of the life events you’ve been through. It gives us an opportunity to give approval to something that’s special.

"We will monitor it and if things become challenging we will need to know for when it comes for re-approval in two years time.” The application was approved after a vote of seven in favour, with one absentee.

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