A HMO is a house of multiple occupancy, like a bedsit. 

Property developers have applied to Sandwell Council to convert 10 - 12 Park Hill, Wednesbury, a high density residential area where the residents are mostly families and retirees, with an infant school and two secondary schools nearby, into a HMO. 

The developer’s intention is to convert the existing property into a ground floor flat and 7 'bedsit' style rooms likely to be used as emergency council accommodation. 

Tenants could include recently released offenders, drug addicts and possibly worse.

Reported issues with having HMO's nearby have included:

• Anti-social behaviour
• Child Safety issues
• Difficulty selling their homes/decreased house prices.
• Harmful impact on the character of the area
• No regard for residents.
• Security risk (burglary, theft)

SAFETY

Park Hill Infant school and Wood Green High are close by; the local shop, being part of the development, is used daily by many children going to and from school.  Brunswick Park play area and skate park are close by, we do not want our children in risk of danger by having the HMO’s occupants so close.   

Elderly residents use the shop regularly; we do not want our elderly relatives or friends put at additional risk.    

PARKING WILL BE AN ISSUE

The proposed site will have only 4 car park spaces for 8 flats; the Highways Agency state there is ample off - road parking and local public transport.  However, with the shop remaining parking will be a problem and there is no off-road parking.

HMO’s are being developed across the borough, only last year Sandwell Council approved the redevelopment of Granville House, Wood Green Road, Wednesbury into a HMO.  

Please sign this petition.  We need as many supporters against this as possible so that the council knows of the residents’ concerns for the safety of our area.

We cannot do this alone - please help by signing and sharing. 

Thank you for your support.