The house of multiple occupancy at 71, New Road, has been granted a lawful development certificate.
Two objections from neighbours and ward councillors had been received raising concerns in respect to parking and congestion issues within the street.
Planners at Dudley Council said that the property had been in use as a HMO since August 2022, which was before the implementation of its Article 4 direction removing the ability for property owners to convert houses into small HMOs for up to six people without the need for planning permission.
A report by planners states: “The application has demonstrated to the council on the balance of probability that the application site was in continuous use as a six bedroom house of multiple occupation (Use Class C4) prior to the implantation of the Council’s Article 4 Direction on 15th September 2023.
“As such the use is considered to be lawful and therefore a Lawful Development Certificate can be issued.”
The report also states: “Negotiations with Serco between June 2022 and February 2023 delayed the formal licensing process but did not interrupt the property’s use as a HMO.
“A licence application was submitted to Dudley Council on 5th September 2023 and granted on 11th June 2024.”
Plans show two bedrooms and a kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor and two bedrooms on the second floor.
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.