Solihull planners have once again rejected a house extension proposal in Castle Bromwich following strong opposition from neighbours who believe the design is out of character with the area.
The saga has stretched over a year, beginning when Mr. Imran submitted plans last February to add a single and two-storey side and rear extension, along with a single-storey garage, to his Hawthorne Road property.
In May, Solihull planners denied the application, citing concerns that the scale, design, and massing failed to “conserve and enhance the character of the host property.” An appeal to the government inspectorate was also dismissed last September by inspector Andrew Boughton, who upheld the council’s decision.
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In November, the applicant submitted a revised plan featuring some changes: the hips on both sides were reinstated, the garage roof was lowered, and the two-storey rear extension was removed. Planning officer Nikki Moore noted these adjustments, confirming the scheme now complied with planning policies and recommending approval.
However, public opposition remained strong, with 12 objections submitted during consultation, including one from ward councillor Alan Feeney. Speaking at the council meeting, Feeney argued the modifications “do not satisfactorily address the reasons for the initial rejection,” highlighting concerns of overdevelopment, overcrowding, and incompatibility with the neighbourhood.
Planning officer Jon Hallam conceded, “Lawful can be awful," referring to the existing permitted but unattractive loft conversion on site. He expressed that the new proposal would improve the property’s appearance despite the challenges.
Councillor Bob Grinsell, committee chairman, remarked it was an “improvement” but questioned whether it was entirely appropriate. Councillor Dave Pinwell voiced similar reservations, referencing the property as resembling a character from Tom Sharpe’s novel “Blott on the Landscape” due to its ungainly appearance, and expressed concerns about the property becoming excessively wide.
When the vote was held at the Civic Suite on February 11, eight councillors opposed the extension, with one abstention, resulting in the proposal being rejected once more.