Driveway extension and garden wall at 74 Briar, Amington, Tamworth

“The site is a rectangular piece of grassed land on the east side of the drive to 74 Briar. The site forms part of a wider piece of incidental open space located at the far end of Briar, beyond which is a public footpath and further open space. The site measures 2.5m by 6.66m.”

“It is proposed to change the use of the site from open space to residential for use as an extension to the drive to 74 Briar. It is proposed to enclose the east and south sides with a 0.8m high boundary consisting of a dwarf wall with brick pillars and metal railings between, to match the existing. The area would be surfaced with block paving.”

“It is clear from google map images and from the site visit that the applicant is already using the site for parking vehicles and has been doing for some time. The historic use of this grassed area for parking vehicles is unauthorised, however, no complaints have been received by the Council and no enforcement action taken.”

“The site is designated within the Local Plan as open space. The relevant Local Plan policy in this instance is Policy EN3 (Open Space and Green and Blue Links). There are three criteria contained in this policy which development in Open Space must meet as follows; “a) The strategic benefits of delivering the Local Plan outweigh the negative impact or loss. b) There remains access to good quality publicly accessible open space.”

“With regards to criterion A, whilst the scheme would have no negative impacts it does result in the loss of open space and there are no strategic benefits provided. The proposal is therefore contrary to criterion A.”

“The area in general is of a residential character and the site itself has a strong sense of openness, particularly because of the vista beyond the site which is flat and largely clear of any tall structures. The proposed change of use would include the erection of a low boundary wall and the paving of what is currently grass. This would involve a marginal reduction in the sense of openness and a change in character from a soft natural finish to a hard manmade finish.”

“The proposal would provide additional parking for the existing dwelling, above the required standards in the Local Plan. SCC Highways have advised that there are dropped kerbs already in place which will provide access to the extended driveway and therefore further dropped kerbs are not required. SCC Highways have raised no objection with regards to highway safety.”

“Staffordshire County Council Highways (05/11/2025) Acceptance. The application is for the change of use of open space to be used as part driveway to 74 Briar including the erection of a brick garden wall. The open space (grass verge) belongs to Tamworth Borough Council Property Services and the application form states the applicant has…”

“Tamworth Borough Council Property Services (26/08/2025): No comments.”

“Officers presented the item and responded to issues and questions raised…”

“(Moved by Councillor L Smith and seconded by Councillor P Pallett)”

“The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.”

“The development authorised by this permission shall be carried out in complete accordance with the following approved plans and specification: PP-14241439v1 (Location plan), 02 (Proposed plan).”