PLANS for a controversial multi-storey care home complex to be built at the former Morrisons site in Shirley have been turned down following an appeal.
Developers Macc Group appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after Solihull Council refused planning permission for the building last April.
In the report, planning inspector Christina Downes said the main reason for dismissing the appeal was the effect the proposal would have on the ‘character and appearance of the area including the distinctiveness and streetscape of Stratford Road, Solihull Road and Sutherland Avenue.’
As reported by The Observer in 2022, the developers hoped to build a six storey complex housing an 84-bed care home and 88 residential apartments alongside a gym, salon and restaurant.
They were also seeking to create a 126-space basement car park.
The plans were rejected by Solihull Council’s planning committee last year despite it being earmarked for approval by officers.
In her report, Ms Downes said: “Whilst some aspects of the development would be acceptable, my main concern is with the higher parts of the development and the considerable step up at the western end of Solihull Road and along the Stratford Road frontage.
“It is appreciated that the top floor would be set back but nonetheless the proposed development would be significantly higher than that prevailing elsewhere in the town centre and its vicinity.”
A 1,000-strong petition, led by Conservative Shirley East ward councillors Mark Parker, Annette Mackenzie and Karen Grinsell, had previously been handed to the council calling for the complex’s refusal.
In the petition the councillors said they were ‘alarmed and concerned’ by the scale of the building which they said would over-shadow nearby streets.
After the Planning Inspectorate’s ruling Councillor Mark Parker, Conservative for Shirley East, said on Twitter: “I am delighted to learn the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol has rejected an Appeal by Macc Group to redevelop the former Morrisons site in Shirley in a rare move.
“A victory for local democracy”
Dr Naz Nathani, director at Macc Care Group, said: “As a responsible developer and a stakeholder in Solihull care, retirement and residential provision, we will listen to the design concerns and incorporate them in our future proposal.
“We are pleased to note that the Inspector considered there to be substantial benefits with the building of a Care Home and apartments, with the only concerns identified by the Inspector relating to the aesthetics of the design.
“We hope to now take the planning proposal to its next journey and work closely with the Solihull planning department and community to deliver the much needed residential and care accommodation.”
