A quiet cul-de-sac in Solihull has become the center of a heated dispute following a proposal to extend a home’s garage. Residents of Bonneville Close, Millisons Wood, near Coventry, voiced strong objections after homeowner Lilian McGrath sought permission to build a single-storey rear extension in March.
Six local objections raised during the public consultation led the issue to be reviewed by Solihull Council’s planning committee. Neighbour Richard Pittock spoke on behalf of concerned residents, accusing the applicant of using the extension as a “trojan horse” to support an unpermitted commercial letting business that, he argued, undermines the residential character of their quiet street.
“This is not just a minor domestic change,” Pittock said. “It’s an attempt to legitimise a commercial development that’s harming our neighbourhood.”
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Ms. McGrath responded by emphasizing that her home primarily serves as a family residence where she lives with two of her sons. She acknowledged using two of her six bedrooms for letting but stressed the extension’s true purpose is to convert the garage into a hobby room for her upholstery workshop. She added that the extension would be visually unobtrusive and pointed out that the proposal had received officer recommendation for approval.
Council planning officer Lawrence Osborne reassured the committee that an investigation found no breaches related to the commercial use of the property, confirming the building’s usage conforms to planning regulations.
Committee chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell acknowledged resident concerns but noted the extension is modest in size and discreetly positioned. He explored potential restrictions to prevent unauthorized future developments. The planning officer clarified that no permitted development rights currently apply to the property, meaning any expansions would require permission.
Furthermore, a condition was imposed specifying the extension must serve only ancillary purposes, such as a hobby room. Any deviation, like renting the garage out, would constitute a breach and prompt council enforcement action.
After considering all views, the planning committee unanimously approved the extension on May 27, subject to the stated conditions.