Planners Green-Light 'Monstrosity' 7-Bed Home Citing Toby Carvery Pub Design Synergy
A seven-bedroom home, described as a 'monstrosity' by a local councillor, has been approved by Solihull Council planners because its design is deemed to fit with a Toby Carvery pub located across the street. The decision came after a heated debate at the planning committee meeting on April 15, where concerns were raised about the building's size and its impact on the area's character.
Controversial Application and Local Opposition
Applicant Shohaib Hassan submitted the proposal in September 2025 to replace a bungalow on Chester Road in Castle Bromwich. This followed a previous scheme that was rejected due to poor architectural design not in keeping with the local area. The new home is planned to be self-built, featuring two lounges, a kitchen, and bedrooms with en-suites on the ground floor, four bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, and a games room and store room in the loft.
During a public consultation, neighbours submitted 18 objections, arguing that the design was out of character with the surrounding area and expressing fears it could become a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) or an Airbnb. Councillor Alan Feeney, representing the Castle Bromwich ward, voiced strong opposition, stating, "The proposed dwelling bears no resemblance to anything else around it, it dwarfs everything in sight. Replacing it with this monstrosity does not bear thinking about."
Planning Committee Debate and Decision
At the meeting, councillors questioned whether the proposal respected the street scene and local character, as per council policies. Officer Kim Allen noted that the building takes "design cues" from the Toby Carvery pub opposite, explaining, "It's a corner plot, there is separation. You have the pub which it obviously has synergy to. I do feel the design is acceptable because of the context of the pub opposite."
Councillor Dave Pinwell acknowledged his dislike for the application but pointed out that personal opinions are not material planning considerations. He sought clarification on whether the design's similarity to the pub made it valid under planning policies, to which the officer replied, "Absolutely yes."
The committee voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to conditions. Additionally, they voted to remove permitted development rights to prevent the applicant from reverting to the larger home design from the rejected application.
Aftermath and Continued Criticism
Following the meeting, Councillor Feeney expressed frustration to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, saying, "To say a house almost three times the size of the original can be allowed, just because it will look like the pub across the road is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. These ridiculous developments have to be stopped before Castle Bromwich is completely gutted."
The approval highlights ongoing tensions between development needs and preserving local character in Solihull, with this case setting a precedent based on architectural synergy with nearby commercial buildings.
