HMO plan for former leather factory in Walsall
A historic former leather works in the Black Country could be converted into a house of multiple occupancy.
Developers Flip Factory Ltd have put forward a proposal to planners to convert the vacant building in Eldon Street, Walsall, into a 22-room accommodation.
It was last used as offices but the prominent property had stood empty for around four years.
It was built as a leather factory in 1891 by Joseph Carver with the aim of making horse whips and continued to operate there until 1967, when the expanding company moved to new purpose built premises in Brownhills.
Agents M2H Architectural Design said the single bedroom apartments will bring the empty building back to life and provide a boost for the surrounding area and provide much needed affordable housing in the area.
In the application to Walsall Council, they also addressed potential concerns of crime and anti-social behaviour that might arise from the proposed HMO.
In the application, they said: "The proposed development would provide good quality low cost housing in a sustainable location with good access to public transport and services and facilities.
"Internally, the building would be renovated to a high standard with adequate amenity areas.
"The proposed parking is adequate to meet the needs of future occupiers.
"The applicant is ready and able to make the substantial financial investment in required to renovate the host building providing new housing and also the creation of jobs for local firms.
"Overall, the proposal would result in the refurbishment, renovation and bringing back into use of a vacant and locally-listed building and preserve and guarantee that the existing character will be preserved and enhanced."
They added: "It is anticipated that there may be concerns in relation to the proposed use in terms of the perceived potential for increase levels of anti social behaviour.
"There are numerous HMO’s in the borough and very few suffer from anti social behaviour problems.
"Those, which do suffer from anti social behaviour are often due to poor management or a particular clientele.
"The proposed facility is intended to offer a high standard of relatively economic accommodation to young professionals and will be managed and maintained to the highest standards.
"This includes strict adherence to tenancy agreements and includes cleaning, maintenance and monitoring CCTV."
