Solihull planners have granted permission for two semi-detached houses to be built in a narrow cul-de-sac on New Street in Castle Bromwich.
The applicant, homeowner Abid Fiaz, originally submitted plans last December to develop the homes on an existing garden area, describing the project as a “modest-scale residential infill”. The proposal involved demolishing the current garage and conservatory to accommodate the two new dwellings.
The application was considered at a recent meeting of Solihull Council’s planning committee, where it faced objections from 29 neighbours.
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Planning officer Kim Allen described the site as “a real anomaly” in the street scene due to its unusually large size compared to surrounding plots.
During the public speaking session, local resident Sam Taylor criticised the plans, stating, “This application is inappropriate for New Street. Residents' concerns focus on planning issues such as highway safety, emergency access, residential amenity, the character of the area, and the suitability of this constrained site. The narrow historic street was not designed for modern vehicles, and construction traffic would exacerbate existing pressure on the already limited highway.”
Ward councillor Jamie Campbell spoke on behalf of the residents, acknowledging the borough-wide need for additional homes but expressing concern that this particular proposal is not appropriate for the area. He emphasised that New Street is among Castle Bromwich’s oldest roads and argued that the development represents backland building behind established frontages, which would erode the historic street pattern and introduce intensity inconsistent with local surroundings.
In committee discussions, chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell acknowledged that the road is indeed narrow, sharing his personal experience of having to perform a seven-point turn at the cul-de-sac’s end. He noted, however, that the committee’s decisions are guided by national planning policies.
Councillor Grinsell also clarified that the application sought outline planning permission; a subsequent reserved matters application would be required to address detailed aspects such as access and layout.
Councillor Yvonne Clements, who expressed reservations about the proposal, raised concerns regarding emergency services' access. Planning officers confirmed that highway engineers had assessed this issue and raised no objections.
Councillor James Bradley pointed out that the plans provide adequate space for two parking spaces per dwelling and suggested that the new homes may even have better parking provision than some existing properties on New Street that currently have none.
Despite ongoing discussion about highway safety in the cul-de-sac, Chairman Grinsell remarked, “I don’t like this scheme, but under planning law, how can I refuse it?”
When the vote took place, six committee members supported the application, two opposed it, and one abstained.
The meeting took place at the Civic Suite on 9 September.