Inspector throws out Smethwick shop appeal after ‘prison’ fears from neighbour
One objector said the plans by Manjit Singh Samra would be like “living in a prison” and another added the situation would leave them “surrounded by more shops than homes.”
A plan to convert a terraced house in Smethwick into a new shop and flats has been dismissed by a government inspector.
Sandwell Council rejected proposals to turn the home in Shireland Road, Cape Hill, Smethwick into a ground floor shop and a two-storey two-bed flat earlier this year and an appeal to the government’s planning inspectorate has now been thrown out.
One objector said the plans by Manjit Singh Samra would be like “living in a prison” and another added the situation would leave them “surrounded by more shops than homes.”
Sandwell Council’s planning officers said that no justification had been provided to suggest why the shop could not open in Cape Hill’s main shopping area and the government inspector agreed.
The planning inspector said: “The appellant’s desire to minimise start-up costs by operating a business from a property they already own is noted.
“However, the test is concerned with whether there are suitable and available sites in sequentially preferable locations that could accommodate the proposed development.
“The fact that the property is already in the appellant’s ownership and may therefore be more financially advantageous than alternative premises, does not negate the requirement to demonstrate compliance with the sequential approach.
“The proposed commercial use would result in an increase in activity at the appeal site, compared to its current residential use.
“Whilst I have had regard to the mixed use character of the surrounding area, the proposal would nevertheless be likely to give rise to additional noise and disturbance for neighbouring occupiers.
“In particular, it would result in one dwelling being positioned between two commercial uses, thereby increasing its exposure to the effects of commercial activity.”
Mr Singh had appealed to the government’s planning inspectorate, which has the power to overrule Sandwell Council, in a bid to get the decision overturned.
The application included plans for a single-storey extension, new shop front, loft conversion and rear dormer window.
You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk/express-and-star
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