Church Road site subject to more planning delays

Lianne Cooper

01 May 2008

DESPITE officer recommendations to go-ahead with revised plans to build new homes in Webheath, councillors have deferred the application for a site visit.
The proposals, put forward by Bradley Design Homes, are for the development of five dwellings on land next to Saltways Cheshire Home on Church Road.
Previous applications put forward by the developers to build on the land had been refused both by Redditch Borough Council's planning committee and the Planning Inspectorate during an appeal, on the grounds it would have had an unacceptable impact on the outlook currently enjoyed by neighbouring residents, mainly those in Shirehampton Close.
The initial plans proposed to build six four-bedroomed houses, and officers felt the latest application overcame the inspectors previous concerns for the site - the new application is for four two-storey houses and one four-bedroomed bungalow.
In the report, it detailed how a two-storey house, which originally was seen as 'overbearing and dominant' when viewed from the rear of numbers 49 and 50 Shirehampton Close, had been changed to bungalow to overcome the problem, while other plots had been re-designed and reduced in height to take into account the living conditions of residents in the neighbouring close.
Concerns, however, were still raised by councillors and residents, including the loss of open green space, problems with flooding, loss of natural light from the tree planting, the dominant and oppressive nature of the development and the affect to the quality of lives to residents of Saltways Cheshire.
But in a previous report, the Planning Inspectorate said: "I do not consider the proposal would have a significant impact on the occupiers of Saltways in terms of outlook give the distance between the home and the proposed houses, and that there is not a material change in levels here."
The application is set to be discussed at the next planning meeting on May 20 following the site visit.

Tories claim overall control of council after Labour vote crumbles»

Free meal drive as hundreds miss out»

Bras on show»

Is this censorship by our libraries?»

Redditch is definitely not a hell-hole»

Redditch should be proud of its people and environment»

I feel sorry for Mark Hill’s next neighbours»

Church Road site subject to more planning delays»

Blackadder's Tony to visit furry friends»

There's comedy in cricket»

Tribute to James - he was "the most beautiful of Mother Earth’s creations"»

Alex wins cleanliness award»

Reds are already looking ahead»

Departing Cunnington sets double trophy target»

Boss aims to leave on a high»

Eagles fly ahead»

Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination results round-up»

Studley finish a whisker in front»

Bees boss has much to build on»

Arrows strengthened in their aim for top»