Kingshurst scheme approved despite residents' fears

RESIDENTS recently lost their battle to stop an eight-house development in Kingshurst, despite concerns it would cause a raft of problems.
Solihull Council’s planning committee gave the nod to the scheme, which will see the semi-detached homes erected on land at 214, Cooks Lane.
Many neighbours had objected on the grounds that the housing would add to parking problems in the area.
They also argued there were a number of unanswered questions about accessing the site and where wheelie bins would be placed.
Amo Bassi, who moved into the area earlier this year, had said the decision would “affect the future” of the community.
“[This] has all the ingredients to lead to neighbourhood disputes,” he told the committee.
Coun David Cole (Lab, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said Cooks Lane was already heavily congested and he had “grave concerns” about the proposal.
“The parking issue is still prevalent and in time the residents will be proved right,” he said. Councillors, who had deferred their decision following a previous meeting in September, argued they could only consider the parking issue.
Their officers had said they were content that sufficient spaces were available to meet the needs of the scheme, which will provide supported living to those with disabilities.
Coun Diana Holl-Allen (Con, Knowle) said: “There’s absolutely no reason I believe not to approve it.”
A number of members sympathised with concerns that numerous bins would be piled up on one street corner, but admitted this didn’t fall within their remit.
The committee eventually voted in favour of the plans by a majority of seven to two.