Neighbours’ petition over house conversion plans
Plans to convert a two-bedroom house in a Wolverhampton cul-de-sac into two self-contained flats has prompted a raft of objections from neighbours – including a 26-name petitiion.
The application to alter the semi-detached house in Abingdon Close, East Park, has given rise to a number of fears from local residents – including parking concerns, possible noise nuisance and an adverse effect on neighbouring property prices.
Four local residents were initially consulted over the proposals and the council received seven objections alongside the petition.
In a report to the council, planning officer Jobe Elwell said: “The property is situated towards the end of the cul-de-sac and has a driveway that can accommodate 3-4 cars.
“There are four existing apartments within the close. The residence currently contains two bedrooms, with a living/dining room, kitchen, utility room, bathroom, WC and a private rear garden.
“The apartments would be divided into ground floor and first floor flats, with the ground floor accessed via the side passageway through the side door, and the first floor accessed via the front door which would lead straight upstairs.
“This proposal includes the bricking up of an existing front hallway window, otherwise no external changes to the property have been proposed,” said the report.
“Amended plans have been received which has sub-divided the rear garden horizontally, providing private amenity space to each apartment, which includes bin storage areas and a cycle storage unit.
“The inclusion of a double electric vehicle charging point has also been added.”
“Remaining concerns raised by residents include the perceived additional demand on services, utilities and creation of flooding.
“Whilst local flooding and poor water pressure may be a characteristic of the area, given that there is to be no net increase in the number of bedrooms, only one additional bathroom and one additional set of kitchen taps, this is not considered to present a material increase in the demand on existing services.
“Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that this conversion into two apartments would lead to a notable increase in noise pollution there is to be no increase in bedroom capacity,” added the report.
Wolverhampton Council’s planning committee will discuss the application next Tuesday.
