Sandwell Council has rejected plans for a 36-bed HMO in West Bromwich, citing concerns over heritage and lack of a formal application.
Sandwell Council turned down the application because there was no formal planning request. They couldn’t assess if the benefits of the HMO would outweigh the potential harm to the historic building.
The council’s report noted that some harm to the heritage asset would occur. They needed to weigh this against the public good of providing housing.
In 2020, the council approved a plan for a 35-bed HMO, but the work never happened. The planning permission expired, leading to this new application.
The rejected plan included demolishing part of the Georgian building for a two-storey extension. The HMO would have featured shared kitchens, living rooms, and a four-space car park.
A statement from Rachpal Takkhar mentioned that the building has been vacant for years. The proposed HMO would create jobs and support the local economy.
