A plan to turn an Elmdon house into a HMO for seven people is now set to be considered by a government planning inspector after being thrown out by Solihull planners.

It is the latest twist in a long running house in multiple occupancy (HMO) saga for the home in Old Lode Lane.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported applicant Neolux Living Ltd originally applied for six unrelated individuals to live at the property, applying for a change of use to make it becoming a HMO lawful.

Solihull planners then granted a certificate of lawful development confirming it was legal and providing protection against enforcement action.

Just three months later, last October, the applicant made a further bid to turn it into an even larger HMO.

Neolux Living applied for another certificate so that seven people could live in the HMO.

In a planning statement, included in the application, the applicant wrote: "We must disregard any argument based purely on intensification and instead focus on whether the addition of one person to an otherwise unrestricted HMO constitutes a material change of use.

"Regarding the outward appearance and character of the proposed use, the development involves adding one person by converting a communal office into an ensuite bedroom.

"The proposed works do not alter the nature or character of the use, nor do they affect the building's status as an existing large HMO.

"Essentially, the building would remain classified as an HMO, even with the proposed works in place."

But last November officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement services, refused to issue a certificate writing: "Having reviewed the submitted information the proposed change of use constitutes a material change of use for which there is no permitted change.

"Should the applicant wish to pursue this proposal an application for full planning permission should be submitted."

The planning portal shows no application has been submitted and instead the applicant is pursuing a different route.

Neolux Living Ltd is now fighting the refusal decision, taking the matter to the government's planning inspectorate.

The date for an inquiry is still to be decided according to the planning inspectorate's website.