Planning Chaos in Selly Oak

While we are glad that the planning committee today rejected an application to turn 101 Hubert Rd into a 10 bedroom HMO we are perplexed that permission was given for its neighbour number 99. This decision underlines the state of chaos with regard to planning rules in Selly Oak. It almost seems wrong to blame landlords for failing to apply for appropriate permission when the guidance from council officers suggests a free for all and the committee itself can't seem to make up its mind. Nonetheless we are grateful to the Committee for rejecting 101 which has already been physically converted for at least 10 bedrooms but will now be restricted to just 6 unrelated occupants. Landlords and their student tenants should be aware that large rented properties need planning permission and that this cannot be taken for granted.