Former GP surgery was used as Airbnb without permission, angry neighbours claim
An empty doctor’s surgery was used as an “unauthorised” Airbnb, angry neighbours claimed.
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The allegation was made in objections raised over the proposed conversion of the site in Sundial Lane, Great Barr, into a four-bedroom family home.
Sandwell Council approved a move to turn the surgery into a hairdressers and beauty and tanning salon in 2022.
The owners were served with an enforcement notice by Sandwell Council over untidy land.
But concerns were raised that the premises were being used as an “unauthorised” Airbnb and the adjoining car park for car repairs and storage, a council report said.
Sandwell Council’s planners recommended the housing application be approved when the committee met on Wednesday.
The authority said “no significant changes” would be made as part of the work and the plans raised no concerns.
Four objections were raised against the plan by neighbours who said they were concerned by previous unauthorised use as an Airbnb and for car repairs.
Objectors also said they were worried about antisocial behaviour and by the untidiness of the site.
A report by the council’s planners said: “The concerns raised by objectors relate to previous unauthorised use and activities.
"This matter has been discussed further with the agent who has advised the property had been on the rental market for residential accommodation.
“It has also been advised that the previous tenant had been using the property as an Airbnb and other unauthorised activities, such as alleged motor vehicle repairs.
"It has been explained that these activities were being carried out without the prior knowledge of the owner.
“The majority of neighbour concerns relate to the previous unauthorised uses/activities that have been investigated by planning enforcement, and these matters do not warrant refusal of the application in my view.
“The applicant seeks to regularise the residential use and it should also be considered that tenure; whether the property is sold for private ownership or for use on the rental market, cannot be controlled by the local planning authority.”
