Tettenhall flats would loom over village, say neighbours

McCarthy and Stone's plan to build 22 'age-exclusive' flats at 5 Stockwell Road, known as 'the Clock House', was unanimously rejected by Wolverhampton council's planning committee in June, but the developers lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate.

More than 30 residents attended a hearing at the Civic Centre this week, which was overseen by planning inspector Tom Cannon.

Reasons for the objections included a potential increase in traffic on Stockwell Road and connecting roads, which are already clogged at peak times and used as a rat run; loss of trees and natural habitats; and insufficient parking.

It also goes against the Tettenhall Neighbourhood Plan, residents say, would be the first development to impinge on Tettenhall Green, and will 'loom over' the area due to its size.

However, the developers say residents of the over-55s scheme will not contribute to traditional peak time traffic, with the increase in traffic 'hardly noticeable', and as the area is considered 'highly accessible' due to its proximity to the village, residents are able to walk rather than drive.

George Reiss, from the Tettenhall and District Community Council, raised the developers' claims that there is 'critical need' for such housing, and said the critical need noted by the Planning Practice Guidance Assessment of Housing and Economic Development Need related to over 65s housing, not over 55s which the Clock House plans are.

Mr Reiss said: "We have a higher population of older people, and we are keen to have a more diverse population.

"This isn't the kind of accommodation that is strongly needed in this neck of the woods around Tettenhall village. We have quite a lot of that type of accommodation already and there is no overwhelming need for more."

A survey of residents showed 60 per cent believed there was a greater need for starter homes for young families, he said.

Lisa Matthewson, speaking on behalf of the developers, said two-thirds of their retirement apartment development in Tettenhall's High Street have already been reserved.

She said: "This does emphasise the need for these units in the area."

The apartments would also allow those over 55 to downsize but remain in Tettenhall, opening up larger houses for families to move in, she said.

The developers say the materials will allow the building - which covers 18.5 per cent of the site - to fit with the area, just four trees will be removed with 13 added, and the replica of the Tettenhall Green clock will remain in the grounds.

If the plans are approved, McCarthy & Stone will have to pay an affordable housing contribution of £360,000 to the council, and a £40,000 contribution for traffic calming measures.

The planning inspector is yet to make a decision on the appeal.