Hundreds sign petition against HMO in former Willenhall hardware shop
More than 800 people have signed a petition against an historic building in Willenhall becoming a house of multiple occupation (HMO).
Plans were submitted to convert the former Roy Birch’s DIY and Hardware shop into a 13-bedroom HMO in September.
The Lower Lichfield Street shop closed in 2023 when Mr Birch retired in his early 90s after more than 50 decades of service in the town.
The petition was launched by ward member for Willenhall South, Coun Simran Cheema.
She said there was a ‘growing frustration’ over the number of HMO planning applications in Willenhall.
Over the last 12 months, plans have been put forward to convert several buildings into HMOs, including the former Fosters Fitness Centre on Wood Street, Chamberlains on Upper Lichfield Street and the former Falcon Inn pub on Gomer Street West.
The Falcon Inn already has permission from Walsall Council to become a ten-bedroom HMO, but the latest application is for a 12-bedroom facility.
On New Road, a building opposite the Lock Museum was given permission to become an eight-bedroom HMO by the council’s planning committee, a decision made in 16 seconds.
Coun Cheema said: “There is a growing sense of frustration among residents regarding the number of HMO planning applications in Willenhall.
“The area is already saturated with HMOs and this proposal will only add to the problems of overcrowding, parking issues and anti-social behaviour.
“I urge Walsall Council planners to do the right thing and turn this application down.”
A spokesperson for Walsall Council said: “There is a planning application on 116-118, Lower Lichfield Street, that proposes the conversion of ground floor rear of existing shops and first and second floors into a 13-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation, and a new door in existing wall from Upper Lichfield Street.
“The application remains under assessment and no decision has yet been made. All comments received on the application will be taken into account in the assessment of material considerations in line with national and local planning policy.”
To view the petition, visit www.change.org/p/object-to-the-13-bedroom-hmo-development-in-willenhall
