A government planning inspector has dismissed an appeal to turn a semi-detached house in West Bromwich into a south Asian sweet shop, agreeing with the local council that it would cause unacceptable disruption to neighbours.
Council and residents raise multiple concerns
Sandwell Council originally refused the planning application for the property on Walsall Road, Stone Cross, in 2025. The authority argued the proposed change of use for the home, sought by applicant Deepak Verma, was inappropriate for the largely residential area. Council officers highlighted that the business would generate extra noise and cooking odours, negatively impacting the amenity of nearby residents.
The council's public health department raised serious concerns about the potential for increased noise and smells. Furthermore, highways officers objected because the plans provided only a third of the required parking spaces, warning it would exacerbate existing parking problems on the street.
A total of 11 objections were submitted by local residents when the application was first made, demonstrating significant local opposition to the scheme.
Inspector's verdict backs council stance
Following the council's refusal, the applicant appealed to the Planning Inspectorate. However, in a decision published recently, the government inspector upheld the council's ruling.
The inspector concluded that the sweet shop would "disturb" neighbours through noise and odours. The report stated the proposal would "introduce a new commercial use which would generate noise and smells into a residential enclave". It emphasised that occupants of nearby dwellings would be "adversely affected by the noise, disturbance and odours associated with the proposed use".
Additionally, the inspector found it had not been demonstrated that the shop met a "specific day-to-day need" that could not be better served by a unit in an established town centre.
Broader issues with home conversions
In its original assessment, Sandwell Council's planning officers noted a trend with such businesses. They pointed out that "these types of Asian sweet centres increasingly also have an element of ancillary hot food takeaway", which could lead to involvement with fast-food delivery companies.
This, they argued, would result in increased comings and goings, further affecting residential amenity and placing more demand on scarce on-street parking. The inspector's decision reinforces the council's position on protecting residential areas from unsuitable commercial developments that could harm the quality of life for existing residents.
The definitive rejection of this appeal sets a clear precedent for similar applications in primarily residential neighbourhoods across Sandwell and underscores the challenges of converting residential properties into food-based businesses.
