CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a block of flats near an Elmdon roundabout has been refused by planning chiefs.
A revised application to demolish two houses on the corner of Old Lode Lane and Hobs Moat Road and build an apartment block with 20 homes has been thrown out by Solihull Council.
Previous plans at the site to demolish two houses and build and apartment block for up to 23 homes was withdrawn by the applicant.
And this revised application was handed to Solihull Council in August.
A 400-strong petition signed by campaigners, residents and councillors was handed to the council in September and Elmdon Liberal Democrat Councillor, Laura McCarthy, made a formal objection against the plans.
Reasons for objection included the size of the building, how close it was to a busy roundabout and the impact this would have on sight lines, lack of parking, and too little affordable housing.
Community campaigner Brad Tucker said: “I’m pleased to see that this application has been refused.
“Elmdon residents have been very worried about the impact this development would have had on our local community and the number of objections received by officers speaks volumes.”
Councillor McCarthy said: “This was a gross overdevelopment of the site and would have had a significant impact on local residents if it had gone ahead.
“The size of the building was incredibly imposing and the number of parking spaces allocated was ridiculous in relation to the number of apartments planned.
“It was also disappointing to see that despite affordable housing being desperately needed in Solihull, the application fell short in this regard too.”
Community campaigner Richard Long said: “We would like to thank everyone who signed our petition against this development and used their voice to send a clear message to the developer that this application was completely unsuitable.”
