Granny annexe at 9 Highfield Crescent, Wolverhampton

What was proposed

The application proposed a single-storey granny annexe with a kitchen/lounge, bedroom and shower room for an elderly parent.

“This application proposes the erection of a single storey granny annexe, also known as residential annexe, in the rear garden area consisting of a rendered finish and a pitched tile roof. The floor plans show a kitchen/lounge area, one bedroom and a shower room. The applicant requires this building to accommodate a current elderly parent who lives at this existing property.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a semi-detached corner home with a spacious rear garden in a residential cul-de-sac beside hospital parking.

“Summary recommendation 1.1 Grant planning permission subject to conditions 2.0 Application site 2.1 No.9 Highfield Crescent is a semi-detached property in a corner location within a residential cul-de-sac. The surrounding area consists of two storey dwellings with an open green space in the centre of the cul-de-sac. The rear boundary is adjoined by New Cross Hospital car parking area.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the annexe’s design, scale and position would not harm the area or neighbouring residential amenity.

“Residential amenities Character and Appearance 8.1 In the context of the generous rear garden, the proposed granny annex would be a modest structure, having limited visibility from any public vantage points. Additionally, the materials proposed match the existing materials of the buildings in the surrounding context. The properties within Highfield Crescent consists of a mixture of rear garden spaces that have outbuildings and extensions throughout the cul-de-sac.”

“Therefore, the proposal would not harm the character and appearance of the area. Residential Amenities 8.5 Although the proposed granny annexe is within 1 metre of the adjoining property, No.8 Highfield Crescent, due to the orientation of these two properties including the large extension at No.8 Highfield Crescent, the proposal would not be a prominent or overbearing feature given the limited height at eaves level and the fact that the roof slopes away from the…”

Officer report

Objections and consultation

One objection cited over-development, shared access and parking issues, and noise from the access gate; no consultees were required.

“One objection has been received on the following material planning grounds: - Over-development - Shared Access and parking issues - Noise and disturbance of the access gate opening/closing 6.0 Consultees 6.1 None required. Legal implications 7.1 The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government planning policies in England and how these should be applied.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer outlined the report, while one speaker opposed the application and another spoke in support.

Members’ concerns

Members raised concerns about emergency access, foul water, shared access, the development’s size and its effect on the neighbouring property.

“The report was considered by Committee, and concerns were raised regarding emergency vehicle access, foul water provision, the shared access facility, size of development and negative impact on the neighbouring property.”

“The Planning Officer responded to concerns raised and stated the following: 1. Parking provisions were satisfactory. 2. Foul water provision was not a planning consideration. 3. Access to the development could be via the main dwelling. 4. The size of the development was acceptable given the context of the site and relationship with adjoining property.”

Minutes

The vote

A councillor moved the report’s recommendations and another councillor seconded them.

“Councillor Paul Sweet moved the recommendations within the report and Councillor Rashpal Kaur seconded the recommendations.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted permission subject to approved plans, matching materials and restrictions keeping the annexe connected to the main dwelling.

“Resolved: That planning application 26/00229/FUL be granted subject to the following conditions: 1. Development in accordance with specified approved plans and documents 2. Matching materials with host dwelling, unless specified otherwise on drawings 3.”

Minutes