SOLIHULL residents are fighting ‘garden-grabbing’ plans to build flats which they say could lead to a developers’ free-for-all across the borough.
The application concerns number 6, Alderbrook Road, which could be demolished to build a block of five flats.
Residents have formed a campaign group, and dozens have submitted formal objections.
A major concern of residents is the size and height of the building which campaigners feel is excessive and out of character with the surrounding area.
A petition containing over 330 signatures was presented to Solihull Council last month.
At least 64 letters of objection have been sent to Solihull planning department by concerned residents.
They have likened the situation to the objections raised by more than 100 residents who turned up for the planning committee meeting where plans to demolish 23 Alderbrook Road and build six large houses onto the back garden were rejected by councillors.
The planning application is due to be heard on Wednesday May 16 and the campaign group anticipates around 100 residents will attend to register their objections.
The proposals involve the erection of a two and half storey building comprising five flats – the combined total floorspace is 741 metres squared – almost triple the floorspace of the current property.
It is also planned to have 10 parking spaces.
Local campaigner, Rick Paslawski, said: “We have looked in detail at the plans and elevations submitted with the application and are shocked at the height and scale of the properties which would tower over adjoining properties in Alderbrook Road.
“This development would occupy most of the existing gardens.
“Having meticulously researched Solihull’s Local Plan, residents believe that the application directly contravenes planning policy and that the borough’s planning decision makers have adequate reasons to refuse this and similar garden grabbing applications.
“If this proposal to erect a block of flats in one of the most prestigious roads in Solihull is approved by the council planners then it would establish a dangerous precedent.
“It would signal to greedy developers that they have carte-blanche to erect blocks of flats in any and every quiet residential road in the borough, on however small the plot, and however inappropriate the development may be.
“It would imply that however great the level of objection expressed by local residents might be, the town planners will ignore the views of local residents when assessing planning applications.”
