A CONTROVERSIAL garden-grabbing proposal on Alderbrook Road looked set to be given the go ahead by Solihull planning committee tonight (Wednesday).
Planning chiefs are due to decide whether the planning application to demolish 23 Alderbrook Road, build six four-plus-bedroom houses onto the back garden and extend number 21 should be approved.
Campaigners have spoken of their ‘horror’ over the height and scale of the properties which they claims would tower over adjoining properties in Alderbrook Road and Poolfield Drive.
Documents released ahead of the meeting revealed the recommendation to Councillors was for planning approval to be given subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement – a legal agreement ensuring developers contribute towards any necessary supportive infrastructure for instance widening of roads.
But it seems a petition with 212 signatures on it and more than 60 objection letters which have been handed to the council ahead of the meeting in an effort to demonstrate the level of opposition against the application won’t prevent the plans from going ahead.
Fiona Somerville, one of the campaigners, said: “People in the area are horrified by these proposals.
“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 and Poolfield Drive.
“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 further garden grabbing applications.”
Documents opened to the public ahead of last night’s meeting revealed public objections to the developments included the lack of privacy from removal of trees and installation of Juliet balconies, increased traffic and congestion and no affordable housing being provided.
See next week’s Observer for the outcome and reaction to the decision.
