Walsall Council’s planning committee has rejected plans to convert a former Willenhall DIY shop into a 12-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). The proposed development at 116-118 Lower Lichfield Street, previously Roy Birch’s hardware store, was initially recommended for approval by planning officers but met strong local resistance.
On June 18, councillors voted against the application, citing concerns about the overconcentration of HMOs in the area, adverse effects on community cohesion, and the disruption to the neighborhood’s character. Nearly 900 local residents signed a petition expressing worries over insufficient parking and inadequate waste management for the proposed HMO.
Willenhall ward councillor Simran Cheema, who spearheaded the petition, highlighted potential risks tied to community safety and antisocial behavior. She also raised privacy concerns, noting that two bedroom windows in the planned HMO had a direct line of sight into the Classic Academy of Dance located opposite the site. The academy warned that the development could force its closure.
READ MORE: Why Aston Villa Should Complete the Transfer for Midfielder Lucas Bergvall
READ MORE: Andy Burnham Pledges £12,570 State Pension for Post-1951 Born Pensioners if Elected PM
Walsall Council acknowledged that while safeguarding measures should be the academy’s responsibility, the building’s status as a Locally Listed site makes installing frosted windows undesirable. To address privacy concerns, officers suggested installing glazed windows that could mitigate visibility, but councillor John Murray argued this would be ineffective as residents could simply open the windows.
Dr Matha, the building owner, expressed his personal stake in the project, dedicating the HMO conversion to the memory of his late daughter. He emphasized that his intentions were rooted in supporting disadvantaged individuals in the community rather than typical property development.
Despite some councillors’ apprehensions about costly appeals by developers if the application was refused, the committee ultimately voted to reject the plans outright. The decision centered on protecting the local area from further saturation of HMOs and preserving community integrity.