Plans to convert a home on Cheshire Road, Smethwick into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) have been rejected by Sandwell Council twice in recent years due to persistent concerns over parking and noise disturbances—and now face a third round of scrutiny after a revised application was submitted.
The original proposal sought to transform the property into an eight-bedroom HMO but was denied in March 2025, with planners citing the potential to exacerbate existing parking shortages. A subsequent application in January 2026 met a similar fate, as the council expressed worries about the increased noise and general disturbance that would harm the living conditions of neighboring residents.
In response, the applicant has scaled back the proposal to create a seven-bedroom HMO. However, the challenges remain as the building was registered as a five-bedroom HMO in December 2025, and can legally function as a six-bedroom HMO without planning permission.
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Council planners have criticized the internal layout of the property as “poor,” emphasizing that it would foster an “unacceptable living environment.” Notably, the basement living room depends entirely on artificial lighting, further raising concerns about the quality of accommodation.
The initial application sparked considerable opposition, with nearly 100 petition signatures submitted by local residents. Despite this, the amended proposal introduced minimal changes, leading to renewed objections from neighbors.
One local resident voiced frustration, stating, “I can find nothing different in this application; it is no different to the previous application which was refused. All the reasons for the previous refusal remain exactly the same. This seems to be a blatant attempt to try and try again in the hope the application is successful.”
Another opponent highlighted issues with parking, explaining, “Cheshire Road consists mainly of terraced houses with no off-street parking. From mid-afternoon onward, parking is very limited. While residents may not own vehicles, visitors likely will. Poor parking etiquette has become a problem, with cars blocking pavements and impeding access for parents with buggies, wheelchair users, and the visually impaired.”
An official council report detailed that the expanded HMO would double the size of the current four-bedroom Victorian mid-terrace property. The proposal included just one shared kitchen without seating or refrigerator facilities for up to eight occupants. Most bedrooms, measuring between six and nine square meters, offered space only for a bed and wardrobe, leaving little room for desks or chairs.
Applicant Karanjeet Singh from Nidh Properties had suggested that the basement could serve as a shared communal area; however, planners concluded this would not create a suitable living space.
As the controversy continues, Sandwell Council faces mounting pressure to balance community concerns with housing development needs.