Two one-bedroom flats at 52 Mills Road, Wolverhampton

What was proposed

The application proposed converting the dwelling into two self-contained one-bedroom flats, with shared garden space, parking and storage.

“Summary recommendation 1.1 Approve with conditions 2.0 Application site 2.1 The application site is a three-bedroom, semi-detached dwelling situated in a predominantly residential area, comprising of dwellings of the same size and design. The property benefits from a larger home extension planning application 24/01035/PDPA for a 6 m rear extension. The extension has been erected.”

“The existing entrance to the front of the property will serve both slats, with internal access created to separate the units. The existing garden will be a shared communal area. Two car parking spaces will be provided on the front driveway and a bin and cycle store will be positioned to the rear.”

Officer report

Officer recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would meet space standards and cause no material harm to the property, area or neighbours.

“Appraisal 9.1 The main issues for consideration are the impact upon: • Character and appearance • Neighbour amenity • Access and parking 9.2 Character and Appearance 9.3 Given the small scale nature of the proposal, conversion of the dwelling into two 1 bed flats is considered appropriate in terms of scale and intensity of the use , and would cause no material harm to host properties appearance of the wider area.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Six neighbouring properties objected, raising concerns about highways, noise, overcrowding, light, privacy, character and pressure on amenities.

“Publicity 5.1 Direct notification was carried out to fifteen neighbouring properties and six letters of objection were received. The following material planning issues were raised: • Highway safety • Noise • Over crowding • Reduce natural light • Loss of privacy/overlooking • Impact on the character of the area • Additional pressure on local amenities 6.0 Consultees 6.1 Highways – no comments received 7.0 Legal implications 7.1 The national Planning Policy Framework sets…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the report and read a written statement from a neighbour who could not attend.

Committee discussion

Members discussed the neighbour’s concerns, including water pipes, and were told that relevant building matters would be passed to Building Control.

“The report was considered by Committee, and the Planning Officer responded to questions asked. She confirmed that the concerns raised by the neighbour regarding water pipes was not a planning matter and would have already been considered by Building Control.”

“It was noted by Committee that many of the concerns raised by the neighbour were civil matters, not material planning concerns, and Stephen Alexander, Head of City Planning agreed that any relevant building concerns would be forwarded to Building Control.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Alan Butt moved the report’s recommendations and Councillor Ben Evans seconded them.

“Councillor Alan Butt moved the recommendations within the report. Councillor Ben Evans seconded the recommendations.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted permission subject to completing the development within three years and following the approved plans.

“Resolved: That planning application 25/00405/FUL be granted subject to the following conditions: • Built within three years • Built in accordance with approved plans…”

Minutes