Six-bedroom HMO plan for Dudley refused - but listed building gets permission

Planners at Dudley Council were asked to issue a lawful development certificate for a property in Selborne Road.

The applicant claimed the two-storey end terrace had been used as an HMO since July 2023, before the council introduced a regulation requiring planning permission for smaller HMOs.

A report by council officers on the application said: “The application states that the change of use to a HMO occurred on 27th July 2023 and that this use has continued uninterrupted since that date.

“The application is supported by a Council Tax bill dated 13th March 2025 together with a Location Plan and Fire Strategy Plans showing the layout of the property. However, no further supporting evidence has been provided.”

Officers concluded while the documents demonstrated the building was currently in use as an HMO, there was not enough evidence to show the building was an HMO before the council changed the rules on planning permission.

Based on the lack of evidence, the council refused to issue a lawful development certificate for the house to operate as an HMO.

Dudley Council has given the go-ahead for work on a listed building in Dudley to replace a 1990s shop front with a Victorian-style design which planners say will enhance the historic character of the property.

The work, at Drayton House in Stone Street, will also include conversion of the upper floors into a residential flat which will see modern features including a staircase removed while historic elements of the nineteenth century building would be retained.

A report on the application from council officers said: “The proposals are considered to preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building and sustain the character and appearance of the conservation area.”