Plans to convert Dudley house into HMO rejected over 'unsafe parking' concerns

Dudley Council has rejected an application to turn a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Lye into flats.

Under delegated powers, council officers ruled Troman House, on Morvale Street, could not be converted into six self-contained apartments.

The detached two-storey building currently has planning permission to operate as an HMO however there is doubt around its occupancy.

A report from council officers on the application said: “Checks undertaken against the council’s HMO register indicate that the property was not registered as an HMO as of July 2026.

“Limited evidence has been submitted to substantiate the existing lawful use claimed by the applicant.”

The application attracted eight letters of objection from people living near the property, one objector described the current condition of the building as ‘atrocious’.

A common concern among objectors was congestion in streets around the property; one objector said: “Currently there are many issues facing the residents on Morvale Street regarding parking due to existing HMOs and other rental properties from Morvale Street, Pedmore Road and Chapel Street.

“Even though I can see the marked bays in the outlined plan/drawings, there is no actual promise that all the tenants and their visitors, friends and family will abide or understand the current dilemmas and adhere to the plans.”

The application identified seven off-street parking spaces to the rear of the property but planning officers had concerns about their proximity to neighbouring homes.

The report said: “The proposed layout would result in vehicle movements, manoeuvring, car door slamming, engine noise, headlights and general activity occurring throughout the day and evening in close proximity to neighbouring occupiers.

“Unlike a traditional single dwelling, the proposed apartment development would generate activity associated with six separate residential units.”

Council planners rejected the application saying the parking area would create an ‘unacceptable level of noise and disturbance’.

Planners were also concerned the layout of the parking area was unsafe.

In notes on their decision, planners said: “No vehicular tracking details or visibility splays have been provided to demonstrate that vehicles can adequate manoeuvre within the site and safely access and egress the proposed parking area.”