Decision announced on plan to convert Kingstanding home into HMO

A petition was circulated against the plan to change a property on Danesbury Crescent into a four bedroomed facility

A proposal to change a supported living property into a HMO in Kingstanding has been refused by council planners. There was widespread opposition and a petition circulated against the planning application to convert the property on Danesbury Crescent.

According to the application the existing household was already "fully compliant with shared living requirements, making them already fit for purpose in the use of a HMO". But MP Paulette Hamiliton is railing against the plans citing the loss of a family home, lack of parking and the potential for anti-social behaviour.

The council agreed with objections saying if approved, it would result in the loss of a much needed three-bedroomed house and lead to an 'increase in the level of noise and disturbances'.

Read More: Anger over plans to change Kingstanding family home into HMO that could lead to 'general misery'

Reasons for refusals read: "The proposed change of use of the application dwelling to form a House in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4) would result in the loss of an existing 3-bedroom family dwelling of which there is an evidenced shortage and demand for within the City. The applicant has provided insufficient planning justification and has not identified a need for the proposed HMO that would warrant the loss of the dwelling in this case.

"The proposed HMO would lead to an increase in comings and goings to and from the site as there would be 4 no. individual households occupying the property. The HMO would likely lead to an increase in the level of noise and disturbances that would occur from the application site."

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There are 75 registered HMOs within the Kingstanding ward as of May 2024, with the closest on Warren Farm Road.

Following the decision, MP Hamilton said: "I'm pleased that, following the local campaign I led, Birmingham City Council's Planning Department has rejected the application for another HMO in Kingstanding."

"I also shared worries about the loss of yet another family home,"MP Hamilton added.

"I hope this decision sends a clear message that our community will stand together to preserve the integrity and quality of life in our neighbourhood."