A homeowner in Streetly has been ordered to remove an unauthorised loft dormer after his appeal against refusal was dismissed by the planning inspectorate.
The extension, built at the rear of 40 Lowlands Avenue without planning permission, was deemed to unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area by Inspector N. Bromley.
This ruling follows an earlier decision in April 2026 when Walsall Council’s planning committee rejected a retrospective application to regularise the dormer.
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During the committee meeting, it emerged that the owner, Mr Mani Singh, had constructed the loft extension without prior approval. Despite officers initially recommending approval, concerns were raised by then Streetly ward councillor Sarah Cooper.
The applicant argued that the work fell under permitted development rights, a claim some committee members contested. Officers noted the extension was similar to others in nearby properties. However, residents objected, noting those properties overlooked Blackwood Park rather than private gardens.
The dormer also contravened the council’s separation policy by approximately half a metre, leading to concerns over incongruous development, loss of natural light, and adverse impact on neighbouring amenities.
The planning committee ultimately refused the application on these grounds. Mr Singh appealed the decision but the planning inspector concluded that, although the dormer did not cause significant harm to neighbour privacy, it negatively affected the area’s character and appearance, leading to dismissal of the appeal.
As a result, the homeowner may be required to demolish the loft dormer to comply with planning regulations and maintain the local area’s visual integrity.