Single-storey former health centre to be transformed into nearly 40 flats

The former Mesty Croft Clinic in Alma Street looks set to be transformed into a 38-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO).

The single-storey former health centre, which closed when services moved a mile away to the £5m Richard Nugent Centre last year, would be extended and converted under the new HMO plans.

The state-of-the-art health centre opened off High Bullen in Wednesbury’s town centre in December 2023. The former Mesty Croft Clinic was sold by Sandwell NHS Healthcare Trust after it was deemed “surplus to requirements".

A rear extension would be demolished and a new two-storey extension would be constructed as part of the planning application submitted to Sandwell Council by ASB Property Consultants.

The rooms would measure between 13 and 17 square metres. A total of 19 parking spaces would be provided.

A statement included with the application said: “The current proposal is for a 38-bedroom HMO which will be ideal for professionals.

“The site is ideally located near public transport including bus stops outside the site alongside train stations and the West Midlands Metro station all within a short 15-minute walk away. This is well suited for any potential employees working in a different town and/or students going to nearby colleges and university.

“The site has been used as a medical health centre and there have been no records of nuisance or impact on neighbouring properties.

“The property shall be managed by an experienced agency specialising in HMO properties and the tenants are carefully selected to ensure no nuisance occurs, thus it is expected that the HMO would provide a safe and social environment for its future occupiers.

“The proposed room sizes are of generous space and provide quality accommodation not only meeting HMO standards but also a new purpose-built accommodation of this nature. Hence the proposed additional occupiers within this property will not harm the character, amenities, and neighbouring properties of the area and it would provide the much-needed affordable accommodation required.”