A government planning inspector has once again overruled Solihull Council, deeming the authority’s decision to refuse a home extension application “unreasonable.” This marks another costly setback for the council and a victory for local residents.
The case concerns an extension proposal at a residence on Station Road, Knowle. Mr. and Mrs. Woodbridge submitted their application last October, seeking permission for a first-floor side extension, a single-storey rear infill extension, and a loft dormer to create an en-suite.
Despite including detailed drawings to illustrate the proposed changes, Solihull Council, through its planning head Mark Andrews, rejected the plans in December under delegated powers. The refusal cited concerns over the development’s bulk, scale, and design, stating it would not respect the character of the local amenity.
READ MORE: Future of Sedgley Health Centre Secured with Dudley Council’s £1.85m Purchase of Ladies Walk
READ MORE: Southend High Street Brawl: 30 Teens Armed with Knives Leave Two Injured
Undeterred, the Woodbridges appealed to the government’s Planning Inspectorate. After a site visit, Inspector Andrew Boughton overturned the council’s decision earlier this month. In his ruling, he found that the proposed extension would not harm the streetscape or conflict with planning policies or the broader development plan.
Inspector Boughton also criticized the council’s handling of the case, awarding costs to the applicants. He noted that the council failed to clearly identify which aspects of the proposal were unacceptable and omitted crucial details in its decision notice. The vague reference to the “character of the local amenity” was insufficiently precise, contributing to what he called “unreasonable behaviour” that resulted in unnecessary expense.
This is not an isolated incident. Previously, another Solihull resident successfully appealed a refusal for an extension in Shirley, with the inspector similarly finding fault with the council’s conduct and awarding costs.
The decision and full judgement for the Station Road appeal can be found by searching for application PL/2025/01965/MINFHO on Solihull Council’s planning portal.