A move to open a HMO on a busy Tipton route has been rejected after the council approved similar plans for the house next door.

Plans to convert a home in Dudley Road, Tipton, into a ‘cramped’ eight-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) have been turned down by Sandwell Council saying the move was of a “poor standard.” The ‘en-suite’ rooms would have each measured between 14 and 19 square metres alongside communal kitchens and a gym.

The same council approved plans for an adjoining home to be converted into a five-bed HMO just two days earlier. 

West Midlands Police said it had concerns the lack of parking spaces in the now rejected plan saying it would lead to an increase in vehicle crime in the area. 

A total of three spaces would be provided at the rear of the HMO which the force said was not enough to cover eight people living in the building and any visitors and the shortfall would lead to parking in nearby residential streets. The proposals would have been supported if the correct number of spaces were provided, the force said. 

A statement included with the application had said the potential HMO’s location meant that eight parking spaces were not needed.

“Given the location, accessibility to public transport, provision for parking for three vehicles on site and and the proposed provision for safe and secure cycle parking, including for visitors, means there will be no the impact on highway safety.”

The work to convert the neighbouring home into an HMO was granted by issuing a lawful development certificate. The certificates, which differ to planning permission, confirm the proposals would be allowed.

The conversion from a home to an HMO did not require formal planning permission, the council said.