Solihull Council's planning committee has granted permission for a further extension to a semi-detached property on Widney Lane, a decision that has sparked concerns among residents who fear the home could eventually become a house in multiple occupancy (HMO). The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) visited the site, finding the property vacant with a skip containing boxes, bricks, and a microwave on the drive, along with gates at the front.
Existing Extensions and New Plans
The property has already undergone a loft extension and a single-storey extension under permitted development rights. The newly approved application adds a single-storey side, rear, and front extension, a garage conversion, and a rear outbuilding intended as a gym. Residents describe the existing additions as ugly and hideous, noting they do not match the distinct style and brickwork of the street.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We think it is overdevelopment. It's an eyesore and now they want to extend it further. If it gets done everybody will start doing it." Another resident, who has lived on the road for over 20 years, expressed concerns about rain runoff affecting neighbouring gardens and Cranmore Infant School: "It is a concern - we are losing gardens, grass areas, there are no soakaways round here. From the front I don't actually think it is that bad, but round the back is the issue. It is a mismatch - luckily we are far enough up the road for it not to be offensive to us. But it has now set a trend, that is the way it is going with extensions."
HMO Fears and Community Response
Several neighbours worry the property could be lost as a family home and converted into an HMO. One neighbour commented: "What worries me, the gym in the garden, how long before that becomes a bedroom? It could become a house in multiple occupancy (HMO)." Another added: "It does feel like it doesn't fit in - they should listen to what people are saying." The original story generated a massive online response, with local comments labeling the existing extensions as ugly and hideous.
At the planning committee meeting on June 17, the applicant made no public comment and no planning statement was included in the application. However, the next-door neighbour reported speaking with the applicant, who reassured them the property would remain a family home, alleviating their concerns. The application was approved unanimously by the committee.
The application (reference PL/2026/00656/MINFHO) can be viewed on Solihull Council's website at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.
