Community Outcry Over HMO Plans in Stockland Green
Residents in a Birmingham neighbourhood are being urged to voice their strong objections against a controversial planning application. The proposal seeks to convert a block of flats on Victoria Road in Stockland Green into a five-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Labour campaigners have reacted with fury to the plans, which would see half a dozen self-contained apartments transformed into a single shared living facility. The current property is described as a "well-maintained" building with professional tenants who have resided there for an average of over six years and are noted for being reliable with their rent payments.
Petition Launched as Community Reaches 'Breaking Point'
Campaigners Shabrana Hussain and Derek Douglas are leading the charge against the conversion and are calling on concerned locals to sign a petition. The deadline for objections is Monday, December 1.
Ms Hussain, a parent with a child at a local school, expressed the depth of local feeling. "The message I hear time and again from other parents is clear - the saturation of HMOs has become a real crisis for family safety in our area," she stated. "Our community has reached breaking point. Stockland Green deserves a better future, not profits for landlords. We’ve had enough."
Mr Douglas echoed these concerns, linking poorly-managed HMOs to a rise in local issues. "We have seen first-hand how poorly-managed HMOs are linked to rising antisocial behaviour and the deterioration of our area," he said. He also argued that approving another HMO would undermine the efforts of Operation Skybridge, a police initiative working to reclaim local streets from crime.
Landlord's Proposal Argues for Improved Standards
A planning statement submitted with the application presents a different perspective. The proposal outlines that one existing flat would be sacrificed to create a new, purpose-built communal kitchen and dining area, ensuring the property meets the legal definition of an HMO.
The statement also highlights that the plan would reduce occupancy from six to five persons, potentially mitigating impacts on parking and waste. It claims all rooms would exceed space standards and that the investment would "significantly improve the quality of accommodation for tenants," aligning with the objectives of the Birmingham Development Plan.
The final decision now rests with Birmingham's planning department, with the application scheduled to be reviewed at a future date.
