Defeat admitted over controversial homes plans

Detailed plans for four new homes which will be built in the place of a cherished bungalow in Cotwall End Road, Sedgley, have been given final approval despite objections to the development from residents.

The original planning application was refused by planners at Dudley Council before being overturned at appeal earlier this month.

Although members of Dudley Council's planning committee could do nothing about the plans themselves, they were allowed to have their say on the designs of the proposed new homes.

Councillor David Vickers said the plans were 'not very impressive' and acknowledged widespread discontent locally over the plans. However he said that if the committee refused the designs, it would do nothing but delay the inevitable construction.

He said: "I have been on many site visits and I don't think I have ever seen so many residents there - which is an indication from them as to what they think about it."

"A couple of factors, such as scale and quantity, have already been determined by a planning inspector outside the borough.

"I do have concerns that if we refuse this application that for the residents it will not make any real difference other than to add further delay to what I think will be built there anyway."

However residents living in the area complained the properties will be too tall and will tower over neighbouring homes.

They were also keen for the bungalow to be saved as they said it was more in keeping with the local area.

Resident Dave Keasey said the decision was a 'bitter pill to swallow'.

He said: "No-one wanted it but since it has been approved we have been working to come up with something we could live with. The development is wrong, the bungalow is in keeping with Cotwall End Road."

Anne Pick was disappointed the committee did not try to block the application.

She said: "They keep repeating 'the people of Sedgley' but there has been no compromise with us at all."