Backing for plans to convert former Dudley Citizens Advice bureau into 13-bed HMO

Councillors will decide next week whether an Edwardian semi-detached house in the centre of Dudley should be converted into a 13-bedroom hostel.

Planning officer Sarah Wilkes is recommending that Marlborough House in St James’s Road, more recently used a Citizens Advice bureau, should be converted into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO), despite concerns from police.

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The plans for the property, which is within a conservation area, will be considered at a meeting of Dudley Council’s planning committee on Tuesday next week.

They will see the loft converted to create an extra floor, with new dormer windows added.

West Midlands Police voiced concerns that the plans do not include details of any security or management plans to demonstrate how the premises would be operated.

They also noted that the property is located within a designated high-crime area.

“The concentration of crime in the local area combined with the operational characteristics of HMOs have contributed to increased pressure on policing resources,” said Miss Wilkes.

“Concerns regarding crime and community safety are noted. However, there is no demonstrable link showing the proposal would materially worsen crime or disorder.”

She said the police concerns related to management and security arrangements, which could be addressed through a condition stipulating need for a security and management plan.

“This considered a proportionate and effective means to mitigating risk and ensures that appropriate operational measures are secured and implemented.”

Each bedroom would have an en-suite bathroom, with a shared kitchen on the ground floor, and a communal kitchen-diner on the first floor.

There would also be 10 parking spaces.

Recommending that the plan should be approved, Miss Wilkes said: “The existing commercial building is currently vacant, and its reuse for residential purposes would make a positive contribution to the mix of dwelling types and tenures within the local area.

“The proposal would not result in any adverse impact on the character or appearance of the conservation area, nor would it harm neighbouring amenity.”