NEIGHBOURS of a Dudley home which has been refused planning permission to operate as a six- bedroom HMO say it is already being used as a HMO.
People living near 109, Stourbridge Road, objected to the proposal for a six-bedroom house of multiple occupancy, which has now been thrown out by Dudley Council.
But people living nearby and a local councillor have said that it is already being used as a five-bed HMO despite not having permission and raised concerns about the safety of residents living there.
Planners refused the application saying that there was not enough parking for residents and that it is within a high crime area, with West Midlands Police raising concerns regarding the potential for the development to exacerbate existing crime and anti-social behaviour.
A report states: "Objections received from neighbouring residents also cite repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour linked to the current occupiers, where the property is alleged to already be operating as a five-bedroom HMO without planning permission.
"In light of these concerns, the proposal is considered likely to have a detrimental impact on community safety and contribute to an increased fear of crime."
Four objections were submitted to the application with concerns centring around it already being used as a HMO, concerns about a lack of fire safety measures with one room being used by a resident having no window, reports of anti-social behaviour including noise, shouting and drug use and "insufficient bins, littering, and use of neighbour's bin."
There were also complaints about the HMO being "out of character with surrounding family housing and a cumulative impact due to presence of other HMOs in the area."
Cllr Qasim Mughal objected saying: "The property is already being operated as an HMO without the necessary planning consent or appropriate safety measures.
"There are reportedly currently at five or more individuals residing at the property in separate rooms."
He added: "One of the rooms being used for accommodation allegedly has no windows, and there are no fire doors or visible fire safety provisions throughout the house.
"Some of the issues above raise serious concerns about unsafe living conditions, and need to be investigated urgently."
The application for a change of use from dwelling house into a six bedroom HMO with two storey side and single storey rear extensions was refused on November 4.
A property is a HMO if it is rented to at least three people who form more than one household and share amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.
Dudley Council removed the ability for property owners to convert houses into small HMOs for up to six people without the need for planning permission in September 2023.