Homes given the go-ahead at former Walsall doctor's surgery

The former surgery at 250 Stroud Avenue, Willenhall, was believed to have been vacant for around 10 years.

But Walsall Council planning enforcement officers discovered in 2014 it had been turned into an eight-bedroomed house, with a communal living room, two kitchens and a shared bathroom. An application was then lodged to turn the building into a house for 12 people.

However, following objections from the police due to anti-social behaviour concerns, this was withdrawn.

A fresh application was put in by Jim Haliburton, of J9 Accommodation, which was then turned down by the council, with the developer taking the case to the Planning Inspectorate.

It has now been deemed that the site is suitable for use.

Councillor Ian Shires, who represents the Willenhall North area, expressed his disappointment at the ruling and said he was concerned that this may set a precedent for other Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough, some of which have proved controversial. He said: "I am extremely disappointed by the ruling, we put forward solid reasons for refusing permission for this site to be transformed into a HMO.

"It feels like our concerns have been taken on board, only to be ignored when it came time for the decision to be made.

"I don't think the site is suitable for a HMO, it is a former doctor's surgery and it still looks like that.

"I am not against them in principal and I don't believe that everyone who lives in one is likely to cause trouble but there have been cases of that happening across the borough in recent times. It is worrying that this has been deemed acceptable because it sets a precedent and we could see many more of these popping up in all manner of old buildings."

One condition that the planning inspectorate has placed on J9 is that the boundary to the site must be changed in order to make it more presentable.

Mr Haliburton, owner of J9, said: "I am glad that common sense has won.

"I would like to address residents living nearby that tenants at 250 Stroud Avenue are not going to cause them trouble.

"We will be working with the council and the community to make sure that any concerns that may be raised in the future are dealt with promptly."