Hostel plan approved despite anti-social behaviour concerns

CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn three houses in Edgbaston into a hostel have been approved.

But locals fear more anti-social behaviour in the once salubrious area and point out the owner already has a hotel acting as a hostel next door.

The houses in St Augustine’s Road (pictured), which consist of self-contained flats, are situated within the Edgbaston Conservation Area, near the grade II*-listed St Augustine’s Church.

The Norfolk Hotel sits adjacent and all the properties are owned by the St Augustine’s Management Company.

Five letters of objection were sent to chiefs, including one each from Preet Gill MP and Councillor Carl

Rice, as well as a petition with 58 signatures.

In the report for Birmingham City Council, Ms Gill said: “The location is adjacent to the Norfolk Hotel where the primary use is for those in housing need, staying for longer than a normal hotel guest would.

“Anti-social behaviour in the area has increased.

“If the proposal was for a hotel with a maximum stay of seven days this would be acceptable.”

Cllr Rice said: “The owner of this property also owns the Norfolk Hotel, which is operated like a hostel. Existing problems in the area will get worse if this is approved.”

Police have recommended a robust access control system be installed at communal entry points as well as an anti-crime lighting scheme.

Councillor Gareth Moore said: “I am slightly torn on this one because on principle I don’t really have an issue with the guest house use, but I am aware from Airbnbs that have operated in Erdington that they can cause problems of anti-social behaviour and crime. I know the police are content with it but I just want to make sure that issue has been fully considered because it certainly seems from my experience that because there’s no one on site to keep an eye on these people that they seem to think they can get away with more than would otherwise be the case.”

Despite concerns, planning committee members were persuaded by the fact police had no objections and voted in favour of the plan.