Telford HMO conversion confirmed as new licensing rules loom

A property owner has been told they have permitted development rights to turn a Telford house into an HMO for five people.

Some 48 objections were sent to officials at Telford & Wrekin Council after Pavinder Singh applied for a certificate of lawfulness for a change of use of the property in Teagues Crescent, Trench.

Objectors, including Councillor Shirley Reynolds, cited parking problems in the crescent and a road network already under significant pressure.

Councillor Reynolds wrote: "The road is at capacity, with existing issues of vehicles parking on the highway wherever possible."

She also said it would represent an over-intensive and fundamentally different form of occupation, resulting in a use that is out of keeping with the established character of the area.

Another objector wrote: "Many vulnerable people live around here. And absolutely every step out of line will be reported."

Mr Singh has told council planners that the property has a “long-established domestic use”.

“The proposals submitted sit within the general permitted development order guidelines for permitted development,” he wrote.

Plans show three bedrooms on the first floor and two on the first floor, all with en-suite facilities and shared kitchens.

Council officials confirmed that the owner has permitted development rights for the change of use.

Planners confirmed with Mr Singh that the property would have five people living in the five-bed property and that he did not need to apply for full planning permission.

Officials informed Mr Singh that new rules will be coming into force on February 27, 2027. If he has not implemented the change by then he will have to apply for planning permission.

Another new rule is also coming into force later this month; all smaller HMOs with three and four tenants will need a licence to operate in Telford.

There are currently more than 230 licensed HMOs in Telford and Wrekin listed in public registers.