Planners have given the green light to a substantial luxury home in an upscale Solihull neighbourhood, despite the council's own planning chief voicing his personal disappointment with the decision.
Controversial Plans Get the Go-Ahead
The scheme, submitted by applicant Mr Callinan, will see a property on Woodchester Road, Dorridge, demolished and replaced with a much larger detached house. The new build will feature five bedrooms, a double garage, and a dedicated cinema room.
This approval came during the November 12 meeting of Solihull Council’s planning committee, held at the Civic Suite. The committee had previously delayed their verdict in October, choosing to conduct a site visit first.
Local Opposition and Applicant's Defence
The project faced significant local opposition. Speaking on behalf of residents, neighbour Dr Peter Scott told the committee that the proposed design was "out of character" with the existing houses in the road.
"Its size alters the street scene and amenity to us all materially," Dr Scott argued.
However, the applicant's planning agent, Darren Hames from Neil Boddison Associates, defended the project. He stated that the scheme was "fully compliant with national and local planning policy" and insisted the dwelling would "sit comfortably within its plot" without causing loss of privacy to neighbours.
A Reluctant Approval
Following the site visit, the applicant had made minor amendments, repositioning the proposed house 30 centimetres further forward and reducing the size of the rear patio area.
During the committee debate, the chairman, Councillor Bob Grinsell, conceded the new house was "pretty big" and that he had initial concerns. Nevertheless, he concluded, "from a planning perspective, I'm not sure I can find a reason to actually refuse."
With no other councillors choosing to speak, the committee moved to a vote. The decision to approve the application was unanimous.
"Regrettably it's approved," Councillor Grinsell added after the vote, echoing the sentiment of disappointed residents. The council's own planning officers had recommended the scheme for approval, subject to standard conditions.
