Solihull project was called by one official ‘possibly the worst I’ve seen’ – but planning inspector overrules council rejection
A controversial home extension described as “the worst” a councillor had seen can stay in place despite the anguish of neighbours.
The decision, covering a property in Wellsford Avenue, Solihull, was made on appeal after councillors rejected a retrospective planning bid and the applicant was accused of “taking them for a ride”.
The original proposals for a single-storey rear extension, to change a first floor rear extension and alter frontage at the property were approved by planners in April 2024.
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But the scheme returned to Solihull Council ’s planning committee earlier this year due to errors made in the building work.
As the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported in March, Coun Laura McCarthy, speaking on behalf of Wellsford Avenue residents, said the case was “possibly the worst I’ve seen in seven years”.
And committee member Coun Sardul Marwa said: “This looks a mess to put it mildly, if you don’t match the bricks it looks awful – I also don’t like any application retrospectively.
“I think he (the applicant) has taken us for a ride and ought to be taught a lesson.”
The committee rejected the retrospective application on a vote of six in favour, one against and two abstentions.
Residents later told the LDRS they feared an appeal – which applicant Mr Saaid duly submitted.
It has now emerged the government inspector, Mr Sedgwick, carried out a site visit on April 10 before overturning the council’s decision and granting planning permission.
“I understand from the planning committee minutes that the amendments are relatively minor,” the inspector wrote in the appeal decision notice.
“The mortar will weather and change colour over time, and I note extensions elsewhere within the street have brickwork that differs in colour or tone to their host property without unduly harming their appearance.
“I am satisfied the proposed conservatory would not, as the council suggest, reduce the daylight or sunlight to habitable rooms on neighbouring houses or appear overbearing from them to a degree that would harm their occupants living conditions.
“In my view, the proposal would not give rise to any significant loss of privacy.
“For the reasons set out above I conclude that the appeal should be allowed.”
The appeal decision can be found by searching for appeal APP/Q4625/D/25/3362328 on the inspectorate’s website gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate.
