Small Heath anger at HMO plans for family home as locals say 'the area is overwhelmed'

A petition is circulating against a proposal to convert a dwelling into a seven bedroomed HMO

There is anger against plans to convert a house into a seven bedroomed HMO in a predominately family area. A proposal has been lodged to turn 59 Charles Road, a three storey four bedroomed home in Small Heath, with no off road parking.

Councillor Shabino Bano said the area is overwhelmed with HMOS and is circulating a petition against the development. She said: "We urgently need our Council and Government to take action on the rise of HMOs and Exempt Housing in our communities.

"Small Heath has already been overwhelmed, bearing more than its fair share of these developments. If you want to stand against the proposal for a 7-bedroom HMO on Charles Road, Small Heath, please sign the online petition to voice your objection and protect the future of our neighbourhood."

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The proposed ground floor would comprise of two bedrooms, each with an en-suite, a communal kitchen/living room and a shared bathroom. There would be three bedrooms each with shower etc.

The second floor would comprise of two bedrooms with shower. There is a large rear garden and no off road parking provision.

To sign the petition please click here

There are no details on the kind of people who would be housed if the plan is passed. The last date for any comments or objections is October 5. A decision will be made by birmingham-city-council>Birmingham City Council planners at a later date.

An application statement said: "The proposal would provide sufficient space for future residents to comfortably live within, store their possessions and furniture and would allow for any circulation space for residents to move through these rooms. All bedrooms would be served by a least one window and would have sufficient outlook and natural light.

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"(The)application site is also within easy walking distance of local services and facilities. There is also unrestricted parking within the streets. There will be secure cycle storage for 7 cycle in the rear garden."

The plan conclusion read: "In summary, the proposed development would not be detrimental to the area’s visual amenity or the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers, and would not disrupt the functioning of the local highways network.

"As such, the application complies with the policies of the Local Plan and should be supported for approval."