A government planning inspector has firmly backed Solihull Council's decision to reject a proposed house extension in Bentley Heath, concluding the plans would cause unacceptable harm to the street's character.
Application Refused Over Bulk and Massing
The case centres on a semi-detached property on Widney Road. Applicant Jake Shingler first applied for planning permission a year ago, seeking a first-floor side extension and a rear dormer.
Planning agents for the project, Extension Drawings, argued in a supporting statement that the street already had an "eclectic mix" of styles and that the original rhythm of the row of 'cat slide' properties had been broken up by previous modifications. They stated they had reduced the dormer's width to work proactively with the council.
However, in February, Solihull Council's head of planning, Mark Andrews, refused the application. His decision notice stated the extension's excessive bulk and massing would negatively impact the dwelling's appearance, creating an unbalanced visual relationship between the pair of semi-detached houses.
Appeal Dismissed After Site Visit
Following the council's refusal, the applicant took the case to the government's Planning Inspectorate. Inspector Andrew Walker conducted a site visit in September before making his ruling.
On November 20, he dismissed the appeal. In his decision, Inspector Walker found the proposed extension's scale and mass would be disproportionate to the dwelling, making it an incongruous addition.
He specifically noted that the gable end design would unbalance the symmetry between the semi-detached pair and result in the loss of a side-sloping roof characteristic of that part of Widney Road.
Final Ruling on Street Scene Impact
The inspector's report delivered a conclusive verdict on the matter. It stated: "Having considered all matters the proposed side extension would cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the appeal dwelling and the street scene."
This ruling upholds the local planning authority's original stance and sets a clear precedent for similar applications in the area, emphasising the importance of preserving existing architectural harmony. The full appeal details, referenced as APP/Q4625/D/25/3369700, are available on the Planning Inspectorate's website.
