News Neighbour row explodes after builders refused to follow plans on new home

George Bunn

Guest Reporter
A controversial home extension in the West Midlands is heading back to planners after builders failed to follow approved plans.

The property in Wellsford Avenue, Solihull had received planning permission last April for extensions and alterations.



But council officials discovered the construction work "is not entirely in conformity with the approved plans."

The application will now be reconsidered at a Solihull Council planning committee meeting this Wednesday, March 5.


The property in Wellsford Avenue, Solihull\u200b


The original plans included a single-storey rear extension, changes to a first floor rear extension and alterations to the frontage. During construction, however, significant differences emerged.

"The main difference, though, from the original approval is the addition of a larger ground floor rear extension," according to a council report.

Amendments have now been requested to "set the first floor extension back from the front elevation."

Builders must also "reinstate the curved bay window in place on the constructed uncharacteristic bulky angular two storey replacement."

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\u200bSolihull Council headquarters


Neighbours have submitted 13 objections to the extension. These include concerns about overlooking and loss of privacy.

Residents also complained about loss of light as the structure is "overbearing". Other objections cited overdevelopment of the site and lack of parking.

Some neighbours alleged the property would become a house of multiple occupation (HMO), reports BirminghamLive.

The council report addressed these concerns, noting: "No evidence has been put forward to support this (the property will become a HMO)."



Despite the objections, planning officers have recommended retrospective consent be given to the application. The council report stated: "The amended proposal is visually acceptable and will not be unduly harmful to amenities of the occupiers of neighbouring properties."

It added: "The proposed extensions would not result in any undue loss of light or cause an unacceptable impact on neighbour amenity."

Officers also noted that "the property retains two parking spaces as per our parking standards."

The report concluded the single storey rear extension and amendments "are considered acceptable." The planning committee meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at the Civic Suite from 6pm on Wednesday, March 5. Residents can view the full application on the council's website.

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