Telford & Wrekin Council has confirmed that a six-bedroom house in Churncote, Stirchley, can be used as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), despite objections regarding parking. Local residents expressed concerns that adding six cars to the property would exacerbate existing parking issues in what they describe as a “small family street with inadequate parking.”
Officials from the council have recently initiated discussions on potentially removing permitted development rights in certain contexts. If an Article 4 directive is enacted, it will allow planners to consider parking issues more thoroughly when assessing similar applications in the future.
In this instance, planners informed the applicant, Jatinder Singh, that the conversion of the property into a six-bed HMO is lawful. They stated, “The proposed use and development benefits from permitted development rights.” Furthermore, the council clarified that as long as the HMO is not occupied by more than six individuals, the proposal complies with existing regulations.
The agent representing Singh, Amandeep Singh of W13 Ltd in Willenhall, communicated to the council that the conversion would involve only internal alterations, maintaining the property’s residential character and amenity arrangements. In a design and access statement submitted to planners, the agent emphasized that the project has been carefully designed to adhere to high amenity and management standards while preserving the architectural integrity of the property and its surroundings.
Singh noted that the self-contained bedrooms will meet or exceed the required space standards for HMO use. “The intent is to provide secure, comfortable accommodation for professionals or local key workers, contributing to local housing provision,” he stated. The proposal aims to ensure that the change of use does not adversely affect neighboring properties, the local environment, or the visual quality of the Churncote area.
Planners are currently navigating the balance between community concerns and housing demands in Telford. The ongoing discussions regarding the Article 4 directive reflect a growing awareness of the need for comprehensive planning measures that address both residential needs and local infrastructure challenges. As the council continues to engage with residents and stakeholders, the outcome could significantly influence future developments in the area.
