Rear extension and garden office at 4 Oak Tree Drive, Tidbury Green, Solihull

What was proposed

The application proposed a part two-storey and part single-storey rear extension, plus a new garden office at the end of the rear garden.

“Proposal: Extension to rear ground floor with smaller rear extension to first floor. New garden office to rear garden.”

“Planning permission is sought for part two storey and part single storey rear extension and a new garden office to rear garden.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Approval was recommended because the proposal was considered visually acceptable and respectful of neighbouring residents’ amenities.

“This report will demonstrate that the proposal is visually acceptable and also respects the amenities enjoyed by the occupiers of neighbouring properties. Accordingly, the proposal is compliant with policy P14 and P15 of the Local Plan and the SPD House Extension Guide (“HEG”).”

Officer report

Design and neighbours

The extension was considered proportionate and well related to the house, while the garden office was considered suitable and secluded from public views.

“The rear extension provides a proportionate addition whose design relates well to the host dwelling. The two storey extension is full width of the house but appears subservient to the original dwelling by use of a dual pitch roofs that end well below ridge height of this detached house. This design technique mimics the frontage…”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Drainage raised no objection, and landscape raised no objection subject to conditions.

“SMBC Landscape - No objection subject to conditions…”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Eight responses raised concerns about light, privacy, design, overdevelopment, materials, trees, construction traffic, use, parking and drainage.

“Concerns regarding the materials used • Harm to TPO tree • Potential damage to shared driveway from construction traffic • Potential HMO • Potential commercial use • Parking considerations • Drainage issues…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker spoke against the application.

Members’ debate

The committee required a management construction plan identifying that the block paving would be maintained to its original standard.

“PL/2025/02001/MINFHO - 4 OAK TREE DRIVE Conditional approval, as per officer recommendation, together with a management construction plan identifying that the block paving be maintained to original standard.”

Minutes