Solihull planners have denied a proposal to raise the height of an extension at a Shirley property, citing disputed measurements and concerns over the impact on neighboring homes.
The controversy began in October 2021 when Mariam Kiani applied for a two-storey front, side, and rear extension on her Solihull Road property. Planning permission was granted in 2023, but in August, Kiani sought to increase the height of the extension from 8 meters to 8.2 meters and extend a front central gable by an additional 0.7 meters.
This amendment sparked objections from eight neighbors and several councillors, including council leader Karen Grinsell, who raised concerns over potential loss of light and privacy. At the planning committee meeting, officer Kim Allen presented evidence suggesting the proposed extension would not significantly reduce light to the adjacent property, showing a photo with a reference line for the extension’s height as viewed from a neighboring window.
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However, objector Dr. Beardmore challenged this, labeling the development a “mini mansion” and asserting that his measurements showed the extension would block at least 50 percent of the neighbor’s light. Councillor Mark Parker echoed worries about the height, stating the proposal was out of character with the streetscape and would erode the neighbor’s privacy.
Oscar Vila Pouca, representing the applicant’s planning agents Made Architecture, defended the plans as a correction of dimensional discrepancies in previously approved documents, emphasizing the accuracy of their submission.
During the debate, Councillors Heather Delaney and Dave Pinwell highlighted conflicting information regarding the building’s height and expressed concern about the lack of clarity. Committee chair Bob Grinsell noted the doubts but reminded members they were the decision-makers.
When put to a vote at the November 12 meeting held at the Civic Suite, six councillors voted against the amended plans, with none in favor and three abstentions, resulting in the rejection of the increased height proposal.