Police station conversion could lead to ...more crime
POLICE have objected to plans to convert one of their former stations into housing – because they fear it will cause an increase in crime.
The West Midlands force says the application to turn the old Longbridge base in Bristol Road South into a ten-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) could ‘create discord’ in an area which they argue already experiences high crime levels.
The proposal, which has received more than 70 objections, is due to be determined by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee, with authority officers dismissing the concerns and recommending councillors approve the scheme.
A council report, summarising the police objection, said: “A ten-bedroom HMO will increase calls to emergency services, increase crime and the fear of crime and have a detrimental effect on the neighbourhood.”
The force also provided crime statistics revealing that between December and May there were 202 incidents of anti-social behaviour, 105 burglaries and 22 offences involving weapons and drugs in the area.
The report added: “Ten potential strangers living in close proximity and sharing amenities could create discord and offer opportunity for crime and disorder, could attract ten separate households with a multitude of visitors.
“HMOs provide accommodation for a transient local population that can undermine community stability and cohesion, with residents staying for approximately six months, leading to a lack of engagement, pride and ownership.”
The Northfield Conservatives have also submitted a 69-name petition against the proposal citing ‘increased risk of crime and anti-social behaviour’ as one of their concerns.
But a council officer assessing the scheme dismissed the relevance of the crime argument on the planning decision.
They said: “It is acknowledged that the over-concentration of HMOs can impact upon residential amenity and community cohesion. However, it is important to emphasise that the behaviour of HMO tenants is not a matter for planning authorities.”