'We are a close neighbourhood with a happy environment' - plans to turn suburban Dudley semi into three flats are approved, despite objections
Plans to extend a semi-detached family home to create three apartments have been approved by planners, despite objections from neighbours.
Residents in Springfield Crescent, Dudley, said that the development represented an over-development and would change the character of their street.
The application includes a single-storey extension to the rear of the property, creating two ground-floor flats and one upstairs apartment.
Three residents of the road, including an immediate neighbour, objected to the scheme, which they said would create parking problems.
But head of planning Carl Mellor approved the scheme, after case officer Samuel Everton recommended it should be given the go-ahead.
The occupant of the house next door said the extension at the rear would affect the view of his garden, and block the light from coming into his kitchen and living room.
Two of them also expressed fears that the development would lead to an increase in crime.
"We are a close neighbourhood, with families that have a happy environment," they wrote. "Small kids will fear their safety, as unwanted guests will also have an impact on our neighbourhood. We do not want to bring anti-social behaviour to our streets."
However, Mr Everton said government guidelines meant the council could only refuse such planning application where the harm 'significantly and demonstrably' outweighed the benefits.
"The proposed extension is of a suitable size and scale which is proportionate to the host dwelling and would assimilate well into the existing dwelling," he said.
Mr Everton said the ground-floor extension would impact on the amount of light entering the house next door, but said it was no different from what would be expected for a normal house extension which could be built without planning permission..
"The neighbours' comments in respect to noise, crime and impact on local services are noted, however the proposal would not be considered to have any greater impact on these matters over and above its use as a single dwelling house," he said.
