Controversial apartments set for approval

3:30pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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THE controversial development of a block of apartments in a “small, quiet area” is set to be approved by planning chiefs next week.

The proposed erection of six apartments on the site of an existing bungalow in St George’s Terrace, Kidderminster, was deferred from the previous Wyre Forest District Council planning (development control) committee meeting on July 8.

It is proposed to demolish the existing bungalow and build six apartments on three floors, with gated archway access to a rear car parking and amenity area, containing five regular and two disabled parking spaces.

Letters of objection from 16 local residents were lodged before the previous meeting and 9 letters have been received by the council since.

A main concern among residents was the apartments would bring too many cars to the road that runs through the area, which is narrow and has no footpath.

One letter stated: “Six flats would probably mean another four to ten cars in this small, quiet terrace, which is packed with cars after 6pm.

“Access and parking are already a huge problem and there could be a risk to pedestrian safety, including the elderly and disabled, from limited visibility.”

Another letter said the apartments would bring up to 16 more people to a densely populated and narrow street.

Other concerns included the possibility of neighbouring buildings being overshadowed and potential noise pollution being caused by building work.

A site visit has been carried out since the last committee meeting and it has been decided the proposal complies with the necessary policies and guidance.

Council planning officer, Stuart Allum, recommended the development for approval in his report. He said: “It is considered that the site could accommodate a development of this scale without creating serious additional traffic nuisance.

“The design, scale, massing and layout of the proposed development is considered to be compatible with the character of the existing street scene.

“The proposal is also satisfactory in terms of neighbour amenity and privacy and car parking provision.”

The council’s planning (development control) committee will discuss the proposal next Tuesday evening.