Heath Town HMO plan rejected over crime fears

Plans to turn a residential property in part of Wolverhampton into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) have been rejected by the council over fears it could attract more crime.

The proposals sought permission to convert a home on Woden Road, in the Heath Town area, into a six-bed HMO by demolishing a side extension, building a new one at the back and revamping the loft space.

However, planners at City of Wolverhampton City Council expressed concerns that it would "lead to the potential for further crime and disorder and add to the fear of crime".

Turning down the plans, the local authority also said it would have increased noise and disturbance in the neighbourhood.

The plans submitted by Dean Investment Properties had "failed to promote a safe and accessible environment", the council said, as the rooms would have fallen below space standards.

It added that communal areas such as the kitchen, dining room and living room were also short on standards for six people.

"The change of use from a family dwelling to a house in multiple occupation for six people each acting as a separate household, with their own friends, families, lifestyles, and patterns and times of movements would be significantly greater and in stark comparison to a single-family home," the council's report said.

"The activity generated by both people and vehicles, as well as the likelihood of requiring additional refuse facilities will have a detrimental impact on the character of the area."

In documents accompanying the planning application, Dean Investment Properties had said the development "would not cause harm to the character of the area and the amenities of the neighbouring properties".

It added that there had been "strong demand for HMO properties for students, young professionals and young couples" and that this market was expected to continue to grow.

The firm added that across the UK, "we still aren't anywhere near our targets for building new homes" and that HMOs were an opportunity to "help alleviate pressure due to the housing shortage" and deliver affordable high-quality housing.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.