Police oppose Dudley bedsits plan over crime fears

Dudley Council is considering proposals to turn a former office building near the bottom of Wolverhampton Street into 20 bedsits and two apartments.

But West Midlands Police have objected to the scheme, saying it will lead to a spike in crime in a section of the town that is already a high crime area.

The force laid out a series of concerns in a letter to planning officers.

It described the area as an "anti‐social behaviour attraction" and said officers had been called out to incidents around there 67 times in the past six months.

It said the spot was regularly used by drug users and recounted a report from a nearby resident who said she was "scared to leave at night due to youths hanging around".

The report said: "This area is the fourth worst ward out of 24 for vehicle crime so this will see an increase in vehicle crime."

Police also said the area was vulnerable to burglary, and raised concerns that there was "no management plan" for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) of this size, or mention of any security measures.

The letter concluded that the scheme would see reported crime increase "which in turn will see an increase in police demand".

Documents detailing the plans say the site has featured a "building of some importance" since the early 17th century. The existing Queen Anne-style building went up in the early 1960s and has been used as apartments in recent years.

A heritage statement says: "Whilst the current building is of no historical significance it does contribute to the character of the area and has been designated a local heritage asset and as such any proposals involving alterations to its appearance need to be considered in that context."

No external changes to the building are planned in the scheme.

Dudley Council has invited members of the public to comment on the plans via www.dudley.gov.uk/planning by February 22, quoting reference P20/1489.