Guest house proposal in Wolverhampton sparks parking fears
Plans to turn a townhouse in Wolverhampton into a short-stay guest house look set to be refused due to a lack of adequate parking space and potential noise concerns.
Proposals to convert the four-bedroom terraced property on Tettenhall Road into five individual rooms available to book will be discussed by council bosses next week.
However, planners have been recommended to refuse the application made by Dr Ian Gobo, on the basis that the area is already over-subscribed in the demand for on-street parking and the plans do not include any additional provisions.
In a report to council members, planning officer Haley Johnston said: “There is already insufficient space in the parking bay outside the terraced properties on Tettenhall Road. The additional demand will be generated at a location that is already very heavily subscribed with on-street parking.
“The developers have suggested that parking is available surrounding the West Park, but this is remote from the property and would not be used. The lack of any off-street parking would also result in disabled users having to compete with the residents of the existing nearby dwellings for the limited space available.
“There is also concern regarding the noise impact from guests. There is the potential concern for parties to take place at the property. The applicant’s management plan states that a guest is only able to book a maximum of two rooms, but the booking of further rooms by multiple guests to create conditions for larger gatherings cannot be ruled out,” she added.
“Plans submitted by the applicant said there would be an onsite manager. However, the agent has now clarified that this is not the case. There would be two cleaning/housekeeping staff employed on a part-time basis. The use of the ground floor kitchen and dining room would be a shared space for guests.
“The applicant has stated that issues will be resolved remotely. Therefore, there is not an ability to break up gatherings prior to generating nuisance issues. The application is for four double bedrooms and one single bedroom, resulting in the potential for nine guests to be accommodated. Booking would be via online booking platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com,” said the report.
In previous years the property was used a chiropody practice and offices. Planners will make a decision on the application next Tuesday.
