Dudley Council planners are poised to deliver a crucial verdict on a proposal to build 13 new homes on a canal-side site in Brierley Hill. The decision comes alongside a series of rulings on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough, highlighting the ongoing balancing act in local development.
Brierley Hill Brownfield Site Awaits Verdict
An application has been submitted to transform the site of LA Motors on Leys Road, Brierley Hill, into a new residential estate. The 0.7-acre plot, described as a brownfield site, would see a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom properties constructed.
A supporting statement for the application argues that the plan represents a sympathetic and appropriate use of land near a heritage setting. It further claims the development would enhance the character and activity along the canal-side environment. Councillors are now reviewing the scheme before making a final decision.
Mixed Results for HMO Applications
While the Brierley Hill homes plan remains undecided, council officers have recently issued determinations on two separate HMO applications with contrasting outcomes.
In Pensnett, planners have refused an application to convert a semi-detached house on Tennyson Road into a pair of studio flats and a five-bedroom HMO. The proposed works included a single-storey rear extension and roof alterations.
A planning report criticised the scheme, stating the roof changes would appear as disproportionate and incongruous additions that undermine the street's character. More damningly, it concluded that the internal layouts for both the HMO and flats fell significantly short of minimum space standards, which would result in poor living conditions for future occupants.
HMO Approval Granted in Dudley
In a separate case, Dudley Council has granted permission for the conversion of a three-bedroom maisonette into a three-bedroom HMO on Cromwell Street, Dudley.
The planning officers' report found that the development would not cause a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties or the area's character. It also stated the HMO would not raise highway safety concerns or exacerbate existing issues with crime and anti-social behaviour in the vicinity.
These decisions, made in early December 2025, showcase the detailed scrutiny applied to local planning applications, weighing the need for new housing against standards of living and the preservation of local character.
