Long-standing Black Country DIY shop set to become HMO

The fate of a former Willenhall DIY shop will be decided by Walsall Council’s planning committee next week. 

Plans to turn 116-118 Lower Lichfield Street into a 12-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation have been recommended for approval. 

The property was home to Roy Birch’s hardware shop for over 50 years until Mr Birch retired in his early 90s in 2023. 

Unauthorised works to the shop frontage and interior led to an enforcement case being opened by Walsall Council, which is temporarily on hold pending the planning application.

A petition against the plans was launched by Councillor Simran Cheema and has been signed by 884 people who have concerns about oversaturation of HMOs in Willenhall, parking provision and waste storage.

Eight objections to the application were received from members of the public with similar concerns. 

In addition, fears were raised about the direct line of view from two bedroom windows of the HMO into the Classic Academy of Dance opposite. 

Walsall Council said it is the responsibility of the academy to put appropriate safeguarding measures in place but since it is a Locally Listed building, frosted windows would not be ‘desirable’. 

It proposed to mitigate the line of sight at source by adding glazed windows in the two bedrooms. 

Council officers have recommended that the plans by applicant Shereen Enterprise be approved, stating that the works would lead to ‘less than substantial harm’. 

It added that the creation of much needed accommodation and bringing a vacant building back into use would bring about public benefits. 

A decision will be made on Thursday, June 18, by a newly-formed planning committee following the Reform takeover at the Walsall Council elections last month.