14 homes at Land North of Overwoods Road, Hockley, Tamworth

What was proposed

The application set out access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for 14 two-storey homes, including three affordable homes and public open space.

“Proposal Reserved matters for 0324/2021 for access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale in relation to the development of 14 dwellings, including affordable housing and public open space…”

“The layout includes areas of incidental open space within the southern portion of the site, the northeastern portion and along the central footpath. There would be an attenuation pond within the northeastern portion of the site enclosed by a 0.5m high fence. Additional soft landscaping would be provided, including hedges, shrubs and specimen trees. A mix of gravel and tarmac pedestrian paths would be provided, and roads would be finished in tarmac.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.7-hectare vacant grass site lies north of Overwoods Road, beside homes, mature trees, overhead power lines and an electricity pylon.

“The site is located to the north of Overwoods Road. The 0.7 hectare site is located in the southeastern corner of the Borough, close to the boundary with North Warwickshire Borough Council. The site has no formal allocation with the Local Plan and is currently a vacant grass field boarded with mature trees and vegetation. Some of which are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO 4 of 2019).”

“It is surrounded by existing residential properties, including older terraced properties on Overwoods Road, 1980’s residential development (Tamar Road) and a more recent smaller development to the east (Swallowhurst). There is an existing large electricity pylon in the site and overhead cables running the length of the site. The site is relatively flat and is currently accessed from the small service road to the south.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

Outline permission for 14 homes, affordable housing and public open space was approved on 17 February 2023.

“0324/2021 - Outline application (all matters reserved) for 14 Dwellings, including affordable housing and public open space – Approved 17/02/2023”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways ultimately raised no objection, ecology sought habitat measures, the tree officer accepted the amended scheme, and environmental health required radon protection.

“Staffordshire County Council Ecology (24/11/2025) The outline predates mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain. The scheme appears to result in the loss of habitat and provides no net gain. Original hedges should be restored. No action is required with regards to Great Crested Newts as the site is within the green Impact Risk Zone. There is bat acidity on site as such suitable lighting should be provided. Recommend a condition regarding hedgehogs.”

“Tamworth Borough Council Environmental Health (24/09/2025) Radon protection is required via condition.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Eleven objections raised concerns about consultation, highways, traffic, ecology, trees, crime, amenity, infrastructure, construction, overdevelopment and subsidence.

“As part of the consultation process adjacent properties were notified, press notice printed 12/09/2025 and a site notice was posted on 11/29/2025. 11 objections received, material considerations summarised as follows: - Lack of consultation…”

“- Highway safety, - Increased traffic, - Ecology – loss of habitat, - Tree & vegetation removal, - Increased permeability of site would increase crime, - Fear of crime, - Loss of amenity – overlooking, light, noise, - Local infrastructure overstretched – GPs, schools, drainage, highway, - Unauthorised activity on site, - Unsustainable development – number of houses, - Disturbance during construction, - Overdevelopment – layout out of character, - Potential subsidence.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors spoke against the application, while the applicant spoke in favour and answered committee questions.

What members discussed

Members raised biodiversity, balancing ponds, highways and the distance from other properties, and officers answered their questions and comments.

“The Planning Officer presented the report Members raised issues relating to Biodiversity, Balancing ponds, highways and required distance from other properties, Officers responded to questions and comments made.”

Minutes

The committee vote

An initial approval motion received two votes for, four against and two abstentions; a later motion received six votes for and three abstentions.

“(Moved by Councillor C Adams and seconded by Councillor L Smith) There were 2 votes for 4 against 2 abstain…”

“A Motion was moved to call for another vote on the application…”

Minutes

The final decision

The committee approved the reserved matters application subject to conditions covering the outline permission, plans, trees, access, parking, radon, wildlife and construction.

“This approval of reserved matters is granted in respect of outline planning permission 0324/2021; and the approved development hereby approved shall comply in all respects with the terms of that outline permission and the conditions imposed on it.”

“Before the development hereby approved is first occupied, the access parking and manoeuvring areas shall be provided in accordance with approved plans. The access, parking and manoeuvring areas shall thereafter be retained as such for the life of the development.”

Minutes