A luxury five-bedroom house in Dorridge, Solihull, has been approved by planners, despite objections from local residents and expressed disappointment from planning officials.
The proposal involves replacing an existing property on Woodchester Road with a larger, detached home featuring five bedrooms, a double garage, and a private cinema. The original plans were submitted by applicant Mr. Callinan.
Concerns from neighbors centered on the home’s size and design, which they feel is out of character with the surrounding properties. Local resident Dr. Peter Scott voiced these opinions, stating that the new design would significantly alter the street scene and impact neighborhood amenity.
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After an initial delay to allow councillors to visit the site, the plans were slightly modified. The revised design shifted the new home’s position 30 centimeters forward and reduced the size of the rear patio area. Planning agents from Neil Boddison Associates assured the council that the scheme complies fully with national and local planning policies. They emphasized that the dwelling fits comfortably within its plot and would not cause harmful overlooking or privacy loss to neighbors.
Council planning officers recommended approving the proposal with conditions. During the planning committee meeting on November 12 at the Civic Suite, chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell acknowledged the house’s large scale but said, “From a planning perspective, I’m not sure I can find a reason to actually refuse.”
With no further debate from other councillors, the committee unanimously voted in favor of approval. The chairman concluded the meeting candidly, admitting, “Regrettably, it’s approved.”