> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Councillor concerned over use of HMO developments to tackle affordable housing shortage - URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillor-concerned-over-use-of-hmo-developments-to-tackle-affordable-housing-shortage/ - Published: 2026-01-23T08:07:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-24T13:24:32.000Z - Description: A Burntwood councillor has raised concerns over controversial developments to help tackle affordable housing challenges. - Author: Lichfield Live - Tags: Burntwood, Planning, Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:11, News A BURNTWOOD councillor has raised concerns over controversial developments to help tackle affordable housing challenges. Cllr Michael Galvin’s comments come after a recent meeting of Lichfield District Council’s planning committee approved plans for the conversion of a private residential property into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) on Brooklyn Road in Burntwood. The Labour representative for Summerfield and All Saints ward questioned whether such developments would help alleviate local housing concerns. He said: > “I will agree that more affordable housing is needed within our area, but I can not accept that HMOs such as this are then answer. > > “When reviewing the plans for this development it shows that what was a two-bedroom bungalow is being converted into a four-bedroom accommodation. These rooms will have an en-suite, but no communal area. > > “The planning committee was always going to struggle to prevent this due to Lichfield District Council having granted a licence for the HMO – but I call on them to have some accountability for the residents of people who live near to such developments. > > “Just because the council can issue a licence doesn’t mean that it should. > > “I will be calling for greater scrutiny around such developments to prevent landlords from doing this in future.”