18 dwellings at Friar Park Road, Wednesbury

What was proposed

The application proposed 18 dwellings, public open space, infrastructure and a Local Area for Play.

“The application is for 18 new dwellings, public open space and infrastructure including a Local Area for Play (LAP). These 18 plots have been labelled 106 – 123, as it is an extension to the wide site approved previously under DC/23/68742.”

“All buildings will be two-storeys in height except plots 106 to 110 which will be two and a half storeys. The separation distances from the proposed development to the existing surrounding properties on Kent Road and Cornwall Close ranges from 25m to 40m.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is open land beside a primary school and near a sports centre, within a predominantly residential area.

“The Application Site 5.1 The application site relates to open land that was originally set aside for play provision in the site’s adjacent application site for 105 dwellings (DC/23/68742). The surrounding area is predominantly residential with a primary school adjacent and sports centre in proximity.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The wider site has permissions for housing and public open space, including 105 dwellings currently under construction.

“Planning History The adjacent site has planning permission was granted for 105 dwellings which is currently under construction. A full list of the planning history is provided below: DC/25/71065 Proposed variation of conditions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of planning application DC/23/68742 (Proposed 105 dwellings with associated public open space) to facilitate a change in the red line boundary to accommodate a second phase of development.”

“DC/23/68742 Proposed 105 dwellings with associated public open space. Grant Permission Subject to Conditions…”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the development acceptable because it provides homes, accords with policy, protects amenity and does not harm highway safety.

“Recommendations Subject to a s106 agreement to secure affordable housing and BNG compliance and monitoring, that planning permission is granted subject to the following conditions relating to:”

“Reasons for the recommendation and conditions 3.1 The proposed development would be acceptable because it accords with policy does not cause significant harm to private amenity, is not detrimental to highway safety and provides much needed homes for the local area. Key Considerations 4.1 The application site relates to a triangular shape of land in the southwest corner of a wider housing site (currently under construction approved under ref: DC/23/68742).”

Officer report

What consultees said

Consultees raised no objection subject to conditions covering ecology, drainage, construction impacts, contamination, affordable housing and biodiversity.

“It is accepted that due to the lack of a five-year housing land supply in Sandwell and the borough’s performance against the Housing Delivery Test that the provision of new housing in this case outweighs the strategic benefit of the SLINC. The applicant has provided a revised Landscape and Ecological Management Plan as part of application DC/25/71065. Furthermore, the proposals would not substantially contradict SAD policy H2 which relates to housing windfalls.”

“This along with the provision of four affordable homes out of the 18 proposed makes the scheme policy compliant, and there are no objections subject to conditions and that the applicant enters into a Section 106 legal agreement to secure the affordable homes.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s representative supported the scheme, while an objector raised concerns about overcrowding, open space, nature, flooding, pollution, noise and wildlife.

Members’ discussion

The development planning manager said further drainage information would be controlled by condition and that conditions would address pollution concerns.

“The Development planning manager highlighted no objections had been raised from transport, highways or public health. The local flood authority requested further information in relation to service water drainage however, it was highlighted that this would be controlled via a condition.”

“- The plans were approved as part of the 2024 planning permission proposals for the children’s play area. - The nonmaterial planning application was approved in 2025; the purpose was to allow the site to accommodate to the second phase of the development. - Some trees were removed as per landscaping plans which were approved in 2024, further planting was proposed. - A mix of different property types would be developed as part of the scheme.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members were satisfied with the proposals and approved the application subject to the recommended conditions.

“Members were satisfied with the proposals and were minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions recommended by the Executive Director-Place.”

“Resolved that consideration of Planning Application DC/25/71072 – Land to Rear High Point Academy Friar Park Road Wednesbury. (Proposed 18 dwellings, public open space and infrastructure) is approved subject to the following conditions:-”

Minutes