A planning inspector has dismissed an appeal to build a new four-bedroom detached house on a green space at the corner of Whitefields Crescent, Solihull, following strong opposition from local residents who argued it would spoil the character of their “lovely crescent.”
The original outline application attracted numerous objections from neighbours concerned about the impact of a two-storey home on the area’s visual appeal. Solihull Council planning officers had recommended approval, noting the site’s location within an established residential area and the need for smaller houses in an accessible neighbourhood.
Despite this, the council’s planning committee voted overwhelmingly to refuse permission, with eight councillors against and only one in favour. Councillor Sardul Marwa criticized the suitability of the site, highlighting its sloping terrain, while Councillor Heather Delaney expressed concerns over the potential visual impact on the crescent’s distinctive character.
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Following the refusal, the applicant, Neil Carpenter, appealed the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate. After a site visit in October, Planning Inspector Beth Astley-Serougi concluded that while the sloping topography was consistent with the area, the proposed home would extend beyond the established building line set by neighbouring properties. This would create an incongruous addition, disrupting the area’s overall character and appearance.
In her ruling, the inspector confirmed that the development would cause unacceptable harm to the visual harmony of the neighbourhood, leading to the dismissal of the appeal.