Residents shocked by controversial Wolverhampton retirement apartment plans

The meeting at Wolverhampton Cricket Club was organised by community group Save Tettenhall's Open Spaces and was held to discuss plans by housebuilder McCarthy and Stone to build the flats at The Clock House, 5 Stockwell Road.

Alex Murray, of The Cedars, who is leader of the group, said emotions were running high.

He said: "We were shocked to see the size and scale of the development, which feels is not in keeping with the character of the conservation area.

"It was clear from the mood of the room and objections received to date, that people in Tettenhall do not want this development and if approved it would seriously undermine the whole purpose of having a Neighbourhood Plan."

During the meeting, plans were also shown details of proposals to put pinch points - which would see the pavement extended into the existing roadway - in Stockwell Road as a traffic calming measure.

Mr Murray said: "Residents were appalled that this was even being considered, as to date there has been no consultation and were concerned about the traffic and parking problems that this scheme and development could bring.

"The majority of the audience were also angry that they had not been consulted properly by McCarthy & Stone."

So far 19 objections to the planned development have been submitted to the council's planning site, including one from Tettenhall and District Community council, which says McCarthy and Stone has failed to address transport issues.

The objection letter also says that the company did not complete adequate consultation with residents and that their application would lead to a loss of local character.

Darren Humphreys, regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone, said: "We are aware of the recent residents meeting.

"However, we did not attend as we undertook extensive pre application consultation with the local community prior to submitting our planning application.

"This included a public exhibition in October 2014, to which 1,000 residents from the area were invited - and subsequent meetings with neighbours.

"Our plans have been carefully considered to ensure the character of the conservation area is preserved, overlooking is prevented, and neighbouring amenity is respected by providing appropriate distances.

"Now our plans have been submitted the council is undertaking its own consultation."