Government planning inspector has dismissed an appeal against Sandwell Council's refusal to allow a three-bedroom house in Bell End, Rowley Regis to be converted into a nursery for up to ten children. The decision upholds the council's original rejection of the application submitted by Omar Kazimi.
The inspector ruled that the proposed two-storey extension would create a “bulky, cramped” building and that the nursery would generate increased noise and disturbance for neighbouring residents. The appeal was lodged after Sandwell Council rejected the initial planning application earlier this year.
Inspector's findings on design and noise
In the appeal report, the inspector stated: “The design would result in a bulky, cramped building, sitting tight in its plot, which due to the narrow set back does not appear subservient to the host property, thereby undermining its original character.”
The report continued: “The introduction of the day nursery would result in a change in the type of noise generated at the site. Noise from increased vehicle movements and conversations of children and parents/carers at drop-off and pick-up times would be generated as well as daytime noise from young children, including their use of external play areas.”
“The nursery would intensify the use of the rear garden and whilst there may be schools and other childcare uses within residential areas generally, in the specific case before me, the neighbouring properties are particularly close,” the inspector added.
Plans included extension and self-contained flat
The submitted plans showed that a ground floor conservatory and patio would have been removed, with the three-bed house extended to accommodate a new nursery activity room and toilets. The first floor would have been converted into a three-bed self-contained flat.
Sandwell Council's planners had earlier rejected the application, stating that the extensions would be “harmful” and disruptive for neighbours, and that the proposed parking was “inadequate.”
A report by the local authority's planners outlining the decision said: “The proposed nursery use is not compatible with the residential nature of the immediate vicinity and is likely to cause unacceptable levels of noise and disturbance to neighbouring residential properties, both by children playing in the rear garden area and by increased comings and goings related to pick up and drop off times.”
The inspector's rejection of the appeal confirms that the nursery will not proceed at the Bell End property. The decision is final and binding, meaning the three-bed home will remain in residential use unless a new planning application is submitted.
