'High standard' HMO pledged for old officers in Walsall

Miller & Co has put forward a proposal to create an 11-bedroom HMO by converting vacant offices in Birmingham Road just outside the town centre.

And they said that, instead of the property being of a poor standard people sometimes expect, this development would be to an “exceptionally high standard”.

Planning officers at Walsall Council are currently considering the application and are expected to make a decision in October.

Previous HMO proposals across the region have sparked objections and concerns about them creating an increase in crime and other issues.

But in their application, Miller & Co cited examples of conversions it has carried out elsewhere to create ‘co-living’ developments.

Based on the other HMO it has created, the firm said the tenants would be mostly single professionals, female, aged between 24 and 30 with an average stay of around 18 months in the property.

The offices were previously occupied by architects and surveyors and was most recently leased to a firm of accountants. They moved out in 2020 and it has stood empty since.

They said: “The term HMO is often associated with perceptions of the lowest quality housing in the private rental sector and is not generally a term that is used by Miller & Co, other than for statutory and regulatory purposes such as planning, tenancy agreements, licensing, insurances and finance.

“Miller & Co designs and develops its co-living house shares to an exceptionally high standard.

“They believe it is possible to raise the bar substantially with HMO housing, providing accommodation that enhances the wellbeing of tenants and managing the properties with exceptional standards of customer service.

“As sustainable developers, Miller & Co have a strong preference for conversions of existing buildings, old and often unloved buildings.

“Every effort is made to retain and enhance existing features.”

They added: “The Covid-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the adverse effects of isolation and loneliness, fuelling an acceleration in demand for co-living housing solutions.

“If co-living can be delivered in a way that improves the wellbeing of tenants, rather than being the lowest quality of housing provision in the rental sector, it could be the perfect solution to addressing loneliness among young people.

“The design of communal spaces in particular is key to building trust and a sense of community.

“As developers, Miller & Co have adopted a develop and hold strategy and are fully committed to the wellbeing of tenants and sustainability of the local community.

“They promote greener methods of travel, namely public transport and bicycles.

“The rail and bus stations are a short walk away from the site and there are multiple rail and bus routes enabling good access to the rest of Walsall and the surrounding region.

“The proposed scheme represents an appropriate form of development to the site and the area.

“The proposed conversion represents sustainable development, providing a viable use for this otherwise vacant building.”