Walsall hotel set to become HMO for more than 30 people
A controversial plan to convert a former hotel in to a house of multiple occupation for more than 30 people is a step closer to receiving the go-ahead – despite concerns from residents and housing officials.
The former Abberley Hotel in Bescot Road, Walsall, is set to be transformed into a 32-bedroom HMO with 19 parking spaces after Walsall Council planning officers agreed to give plans the go-ahead.
The final decision on the future of the former hotel will be made by the council's planning committee next week, despite concerns from residents regarding noise and worries that there are too many bedsits in the area.
A 40-signature petition was handed in to the council after the application was submitted.
Built at the turn of the 20th century, the Abberley Hotel has been empty for a number of years.
However, it was only a 28-bedroom hotel when in use, meaning extra rooms will be made created if it is transformed into a HMO.
The site had been listed as up for sale until October 2014, with a guide price of £250,000.
A statement explaining the council's decision for recommending approval said: "Whilst neighbours are concerned that housing stock is being lost to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and that there are already HMOs, nursing homes and flats in the area already, current Government policy encourages the creation of HMOs.
"Housing Standards have objected to the proposal on the grounds that there is an oversupply of supported HMO accommodation in Walsall."
It went on: "Given the Governments overwhelming drive to deliver housing of all forms, there are no planning policy grounds, or evidence base, that would support the refusal of this planning application."
