Replacement dwelling at 33 Woodchester Road, Dorridge, Solihull

The site and surroundings

The site was a 0.10-hectare residential plot with a two-storey dwelling, a 40-metre rear garden and neighbouring properties in Westfield Close.

“The proposal seeks to replace the existing detached dwelling on the site with a larger detached dwelling on the existing site. This includes associated parking spaces and garden area within the site.”

“Number 33 Woodchester Road is an existing detached two storey dwelling located within a run of residential properties. The property dates from the 1950s and is constructed of predominately brick. The back garden is approximately 40m in depth and backs onto properties in Westfield Close. The site area is 0.10 hectares.”

Officer report

Earlier application history

The application had previously been deferred for a site visit, and the amended plans moved the dwelling forward and reduced the rear patio.

“Member will recall that this application was reported to your Committee on 8 th October and was deferred for a site visit.”

“Since the last meeting the applicants have amended their plans repositioning the new dwelling 300mm further forward in the plot and reducing the size of the rear patio area. The report has been updated to reflect these changes…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the residential use, design, layout and other effects complied with policy, subject to conditions.

“Recommendation: APPROVAL subject to conditions…”

“EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The principle of this residential development is policy compliant, creating a replacement residential unit on a site currently in residential use (Class C3) in an established accessible residential area, in an accessible location within the Borough. The principle of development is acceptable and in compliance with Policy P5 of the Solihull Local Plan (SLP).”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The main issues were residential use, area character, neighbouring amenities, highway safety, landscape, ecology, drainage, climate change and planning balance.

“The first main issue is whether the proposal provides an appropriate residential use in accordance with relevant planning policy; • The second main issue the effect of the proposal on the character of the area and appearance of street scene; • The third main issue is the effect of the proposal on the amenities of the occupiers of neighbouring properties; and • The fourth main issue is the effect of the proposal on highway safety and the free flow of the road network; Other…”

Officer report

What consultees said

The local forum objected, while drainage, ecology, highways and landscape consultees raised no objection, with highways and landscape conditions.

“SMBC Drainage - No objection SMBC Ecology – No objection SMBC Highways – No objection subject to conditions SMBC Landscape – No objection subject to conditions…”

Officer report

What residents said

Eight properties sent nine objections about design, overdevelopment, scale, privacy, light, overbearing effects, bats, flooding and garage parking.

“Out of keeping with streetscene; • Erosion of character of the area; • Intensity of development; • Overly large; • Overdevelopment; Neighbour amenity • The proposed building will be overbearing;”

“Loss of light; • Loss of privacy Others • Bats • Exacerbate Flooding • Does the garage accommodate 2 modern cars RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY”

Officer report

Who spoke

[name withheld] and Councillor Sally Tomlinson spoke against the application, while a statement supporting it was read on behalf of the applicant.

The committee decision

The committee granted conditional approval in line with the officer recommendation and added a condition requiring hedges on both side boundaries to be retained.

“PL/2025/00789/PPFL 33 WOODCHESTER ROAD Conditional approval, as per officer recommendation, with an additional condition: (9) hedges to both side boundaries to be retained.”

Minutes