Plans to transform a family home into a four-bedroom HMO and commercial office have been met with criticism from planners. The applicant, Gurdev Sondh, now faces a tense wait to see if the scheme will be approved at an upcoming meeting of Solihull Council's planning committee.
The property in question, located on Streetsbrook Road, is currently a two-storey semi-detached residential property. Sondh's application proposes converting it into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) and transforming the garage into a commercial office.
As previously reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the scheme has drawn 27 objections from residents who raised various concerns including noise and inadequate parking. Councillor Mark Parker, who brought the application before the committee, stated during the public speaking section: "To convert a much needed family home in a suburban setting to a four bedroom property with commercial unit, opening seven days a week, is not appropriate.
He added: "The parking situation will worsen on an already congested road. I do not think this will be a good neighbour. I believe it will not meet local need."
The planning application indicates that "four dedicated parking spaces" are planned for the site, reports .
During a recent committee meeting, planning officer Kim Allen presented an updated parking plan, noting: "We have received an updated parking plan. The difference is the parking spaces are now laid out in a chevron style."
She added, "It demonstrates these four spaces could be easily accessed and any vehicle using them could reverse and leave in forward gear."
However, Bob Grinsell, the committee chairman, said he was "not happy". He said: "There is a dwarf wall - that would make it virtually impossible to manoeuvre (turn round) and drive out in a forward gear. We are given a plan at the 11th hour which we have not had the opportunity to investigate."
Paul Tovey, head of highway management for the authority, countered with: "Custom practice appears to be driving in and reversing out at that property and neighbouring properties. Physically there is space to reverse off the highway into that premises - it is down to the driver's choice."
The discussion also touched on potential parking issues caused by staff and visitors of a new office. Jon Hallam, Solihull Council's team leader for area planning, stated: "In my view, and the view of officers, one space for the office, three for the HMO would be acceptable."
Councillor Dave Pinwell voiced his confusion: "I'm getting confused. What I thought we were being told - four parking spaces for the HMO and no parking whatsoever allowed for the commercial office."
Ms Allen said: "There is a fallback position here for the applicant. This house could be converted without any planning permission to a HMO of six bedrooms - that could happen tomorrow.
"The reason the application is in front of you is the property would take on two different uses."
The chair then remarked on the logistical challenges presented by the road, observing: "Streetsbrook Road is relatively narrow.
"There is a keep clear sign painted outside that property. It cannot be kept clear if vehicles are coming in and out."
At the meeting on Wednesday, October 7, Coun Pinwell proposed a delay in the decision, aiming to provide councillors with more time to assess the fresh insights, which was subsequently approved by vote.
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