Solihull Planners Reject Six-Bed HMO Proposal Near Birmingham Airport

Plans to convert 211 Elmdon Lane in Marston Green, close to Birmingham Airport (BHX), into a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been refused by Solihull planners for a second time. The applicant, PMI Property Holdings Ltd, first submitted the application in March, seeking permission to change the use from a single dwelling (C3) to a small HMO (C4).

The proposal included a three-metre rear storey extension, creation of new porous surfaces for additional parking, access improvements, and the erection of a boundary wall at the front of the property. The company argued that this change of use constituted permitted development under current planning regulations.

However, objections from Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Council, along with concerns raised by Birmingham Airport about access and parking adequacy, influenced Solihull Council’s decision. On 14 August, Mark Andrews, head of planning, design and engagement services at Solihull Council, issued a decision notice refusing to certify that the proposed changes would be lawful.

Mr Andrews noted that the plans showed extensive areas of hardstanding amounting to approximately 17 car parking spaces and 10 cycle parking spaces, along with a proposed driveway to a rear garage that currently does not exist nor has consent. He stated that the scale of hardstanding far exceeded what could be considered incidental to the dwelling, whether existing or when converted to a six-person HMO. Consequently, the local planning authority concluded the proposed development would not be lawful if implemented as presented.

This refusal follows a previous abandoned plan reported last September, when the applicant intended to demolish the existing four-bedroom detached house and construct a two-and-a-half storey apartment block on the site. That application was also opposed by the parish council and Birmingham Airport, the latter citing that Elmdon Lane serves as an emergency services access route to the airport, and expressing concerns that the proposed parking provision of one space per dwelling would be insufficient for the location.

Recently, PMI Property Holdings Ltd has resubmitted a new application for five apartments, promising two parking spaces per unit, totalling 10 car parking spaces. A consultation is currently underway, with submissions invited until 16 September.

Those wishing to view the plans or comment on the latest proposal can find the application (PL/2026/01460/PPFL) on Solihull Council’s planning portal at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.