One house and four flats at The Woodlands, Wollaston, Stourbridge

“The application proposes the conversion of the existing vacant care home (C2) into a single dwellinghouse and four apartments (C3). The development would include internal and external alterations and associated works including reallocation of garden spaces, parking provision and the demolition of the existing link corridor.”

“It is indicated in the Design and Access Statement that the proposed dwelling types and size has been based on the need identified by the Dudley MBC Housing Strategy Team. The proposed development, following the demolition of an existing link corridor, would result in two detached buildings with associated gardens and parking provision separated by…”

“The application site comprises the Woodlands care home. This is a vacant care home that appears as two sperate buildings but are connected by a single storey link corridor. The properties consist of 17 bedrooms with associated ancillary accommodation. The building to the north is a two storey building with a pitched roof with a hipped feature and section of flat roof to the rear.”

“The application site adjoins the boundary with No. 64b Bridle Road on the southern boundary which forms a two storey new build detached dwelling. To the north of the site is the side boundary of No. Meriden Avenue. This is a detached two storey dwelling with a pitched roof and render finish. To the east of the site is the side elevation of No. Meriden Avenue and its rear garden that runs parallel to the application site.”

“The proposal has been assessed against all relevant material planning considerations and is considered acceptable in respect of design, character and appearance, heritage impacts, residential amenity, highway safety, parking, ecology, biodiversity, arboriculture and drainage. Subject to the recommended conditions, the development would provide an acceptable standard of accommodation for future occupiers without causing unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenity.”

“Historic Environment Officer: No objection and recommends approval subject to a condition for landscaping.”

“Highways Officer (AMEY): Number of parking spaces is in accordance with the requirements of the Parking Standards SPD. Tracking has been provided to demonstrate adequate manoeuvrability within the site. No major highway concerns to warrant a refusal. Makes recommendations for the relocation of cycle parking.”

“Three letters of objection were received from Councillor Tromans. Concerns raised include impact on Conservation Area, impact on neighbouring amenity and fear of crime, no Electrical Vehicle Charging, future occupier amenity, impact on protected species, lack of parking. Councillor Tromans also states that he supports the increased provision of more social homes in the borough and requests that the development is designated for over 50’s housing. Matters…”

“A joint letter of objection was received from Councillor MacLeod and Southall. Objections are raised in regard to the loss of a care facility, highways safety, overdevelopment of the site including occupier amenity standards, impact on trees and biodiversity, impact on neighbouring occupiers amenity and drainage.”

“Consideration was given to the following planning application in respect of which Members of the Committee had undertaken a site visit earlier that day.”

“Members raised concerns regarding parking and highway safety and following further discussion, having regard to the concerns raised, both the decision and the reasons for that decision were put to the vote and it was moved and seconded and following a vote it was:”

“That the application be refused contrary to Officer recommendation for the reason set out below: -”

“The proposed development would fail to provide adequate parking provision and parking layout to adequately serve the proposed development, resulting in an unacceptable impact on highway safety. The proposed development would therefore fail to comply with TR6 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2026), policy DLP14 and DLP65 of the Dudley Local Plan (2026).”