7-person HMO at 10 Wharfedale Street, Wednesbury

What was proposed

The application sought to change a six-bedroom, six-person HMO into a seven-bedroom, seven-person HMO with shared communal space.

“DC/26/71557 Application Description Proposed change of use from 6-bedroom, 6 person HMO to 7-bedroom, 7 person HMO with shared communal area (Sui Generis). Application Received 17.03.2026 Application Address 10 Wharfedale Street Wednesbury WS10 9AG Report Author…”

Officer report

The site and layout

The property is an end-of-terrace home in a mainly residential area, with on-street parking and a rear yard accessed through a shared side route.

“The Application Site 5.1 The application site is situated on the southern side of Wharfedale Street, Wednesbury, and is located within a predominantly residential area.”

“The existing end of terrace residential property is currently used as a six- bedroom, six person HMO. Parking is on street, and there is a hard surfaced yard/garden to the rear, which can be accessed by pedestrians via the side access from Wharfedale Street; this side access also provides access to other neighbouring residential properties on Wharfedale Street.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications covered a dormer, HMO changes and extensions; one previous proposal sought a seven-bedroom, ten-person HMO but was withdrawn.

“Retention of dormer window to rear (Lawful Development Certificate). Grant Lawful Use Certificate – 09.03.2026 DC/25/71196 Proposed change of use from 6 No. bedroom (6 person) HMO to 7 No. bedroom (10 person) HMO. Withdrawn – 13.01.2026”

“(Class C4) (Lawful Development Certificate). DC/24/69367 Proposed change of use from dwelling house (Class C3) to 6 No. bed HMO (Class C4) (Lawful Development Certificate). Withdrawn – 22.05.2024 DC/23/67976 Proposed single storey rear extension, dormer to rear, and change of use from dwelling (Class C3) To 8 Bedroom HMO (Sui Generis). Withdrawn – 23.10.2023”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Pollution Control and Highways raised no objections, while the Conservation Officer raised potential bin-storage concerns addressed through the reduced occupancy and a waste-storage condition.

“No objections. The site is in a town centre location with good transport links; public car parks close by and good amenities therefore the increase of one bedroom is not severe.”

“They have stated that the proposal represents an intensification of use that may have implications for bin storage that may, in turn impact upon the character of the conservation area. In consideration of the comments received from the Councils Conservation Officer, it is noted that the proposal has been reduced from a seven-bedroom, ten-occupier HMO with shared communal area to a seven-bedroom, seven person HMO with shared communal area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant said the property was large enough, met relevant guidance, had security measures, and the extra bedroom would not significantly affect the road network.

Members’ view

Members were satisfied with the proposal and indicated that they intended to approve it subject to the recommended conditions.

“Members were satisfied with the proposals and were minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions recommended by the Executive Director-Place.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions covering waste, cycles, lighting, communal areas, bedsits, occupancy and security.

“I) Waste storage; II) Cycle storage; III) External lighting; IV) Retention of communal kitchen/lounge/dining areas; V) Bedsits only; VI) The number of persons residing at the property at any one time shall not exceed seven; VII) Security measures.”

Minutes