Parcel locker at Old Sticky Wicket, Redditch

What was proposed

The retrospective application sought approval for two external InPost parcel-locker units on the Old Sticky Wicket.

“The proposal, which is retrospective, is for the addition of an external ‘InPost Parcel Locker’ to the West elevation of the Old Sticky Wicket, on a wall facing a walkway into the central part of Matchborough Centre. Historic imagery shows that the lockers have been in situ since at least March 2024. The development comprises two units, one with a projecting canopy element and one without.”

“The ‘InPost Parcel Locker’ acts as a communal locker for the storage of parcels that are waiting to be sent or received by individuals and/or businesses. The locker operates in a self-service fashion and can be accessed by patrons 24/7.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The lockers are on the public house’s side wall beside a passageway, car park and walking routes from nearby residential areas.

“The Old Sticky Wicket is a public house located in Matchborough District Centre in the Matchborough and Woodrow Ward of Redditch. The lockers are located on the side elevation of the public house, which bounds an access passageway into the central courtyard of Matchborough Centre.”

“To the immediate south of the proposal site is an area of car parking, which is accessed from Matchborough Way. The site can also be accessed via walking routes from residential areas of both Matchborugh East and West.”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the lockers acceptable because they were modest, supported the district centre, and would not harm visual amenity, residents, noise or privacy.

“Overall, the proposal is considered to be acceptable as the lockers are of a modest scale and their function aligns with the wider use of the building as part of a district centre, in accordance with policies 34 and 35 of the Borough of Redditch Local Plan no. 4.. The materials used for the locker mean it will be apparent from the car park on Matchborough Way. However, the location of the locker is set against the building, tucked into the entrance of a passageway.”

“Additionally, the proposal is sited approximately 53 metres away from the rear gardens of the closest residential dwellings, separated by car parking space, Matchborough Way, trees and vegetation, and fencing. Given these circumstances, it is considered that the proposal would not be harmful to nearby residential occupiers with regard to noise or privacy.”

Officer report

What officers told members

Officers explained the lockers’ self-service use, 24-hour access, two-unit layout, lighting, security camera and current position.

Members’ discussion

Members were displeased that the application was retrospective but found no material planning reason to object.

“Although Members were displeased with the retrospective nature of the application, they found no material planning reason to object, therefore, on being put it the vote it was:”

Minutes