Anger as planning agent says Tettenhall residents are 'living in a past century'

Proposals have been submitted to Wolverhampton council to transform a vacant shop in Tettenhall High Street.

As part of the application, agent Paul Rothan, director at Alexminster Technologists, has ranted about 'interfering local residents' and suggested they should not have a say on planning applications.

Mr Rothan said: "I had a word with one of the planning staff at the council to talk about the application before we made it.

"Comments were made that people in the area have an uncanny knack of getting involved in things that really don't concern them. My interest is in the planning application full-stop.

"I know people either side of the property are invited to comment, that is common knowledge, that is as far as it goes as far as I am concerned."

In a design and access statement sent to council planners, he said: "Based on all too regular past experiences, difficulties for projects planned for this part of town, and disruption of many new proposals, has all often occurred promoted by interfering local residents with a plethora of inane adverse comments directed at the council planning authority.

"Many of the 'fears' all too often expressed are completely without grounds for concern, based on the reluctance for some 'change' in an established retail centre.

"These so-called 'concerns' are often promoted by local residents living in a past century.

"It would make a welcome change if planning decisions could be left with the local council, rather than accept some certain persons in the local community believing they are entitled to 'special consideration', and self-appointed keepers of the local community."

Councillor Udey Singh, who represents Tettenhall Regis, said Mr Rothan's comments were 'immensely disrespectful'.

"The comment made by the agent to suggest that 'these so called concerns are often promoted by local residents living in a past century' strongly suggests that residents are not entitled to have opinions or concerns," he said.

"Tettenhall is home to a large group of proud residents who share a strong sense of community spirit and belonging.

"Rather than making negative comments and sweeping statements it would be more productive to work alongside the residents towards a positive goal."

If planning permission is approved the wine bar would be located near the junction with Limes Road, next to Peter James Property.

Planning documents published online name the applicant as Tina Mills and the agent as Mr Rothan.