Plans to build apartments at site of landmark Wolverhampton house set for refusal

McCarthy and Stone want to bulldoze 'The Clock House' at 5 Stockwell Road, Tettenhall and replace it with a 22-home development.

But planners at Wolverhampton City Council have been advised to block the scheme, after a report criticised the inappropriate size of the development and its potential negative effect on the environment.

The report was presented to the authority's planning committee and details the level of opposition to the scheme.

It says that 234 letters were received opposing the plans, with only four letters in favour. A petition in objection featuring 167 signatures was also received.

Many of the objections said the development would be out of character with the surrounding area, increase traffic and would obstruct views from Stockwell Road and Tettenhall Green.

According to the report concerns were also raised that the proposed new landscaped garden would lead to a loss of tress and natural habitats for wildlife.

Some residents felt that developers had not entered into sufficient consultation with the community, the report added.

One supporting comment said that retirement living was needed in the area.

Planning officers described The Clock House as being 'of limited historic and architectural interest', and demolition would be 'acceptable in principle'.

However it was noted that the size of the development 'would result in the loss of this important view' and 'would fail to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area'.

The installation of speed bumps on Stockwell Road 'would erode the character of this historic lane', while the location of the car park would lead to root damage to a number of mature trees.

The report concludes: "The proposed development would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area, and would not be in accordance with the development plan.

"It would also have a negative impact on the condition of protected trees."

Alex Murray, lives next to the site and has been running a campaign to stop the development, said: "I am delighted that planning officers have taken on board the views of local residents.

"I hope that councillors on the planning committee uphold the officers' decision."

A final ruling on the project is due next week.