Wolverhampton house extension given go-ahead despite protests

A planning application to add a new porch, garage, utility, shower room and kitchen extension to a semi-detached property in Wood End Road near Wednesfield – although located in the ward of Fallings Park – was agreed by councillors this week.

Planning bosses had earlier heard from Councillor Steve Evans, who made an impassioned plea to reject the proposal on the grounds that it would be detrimental to the quality of life for elderly neighbours who had lived there for more than 50 years.

Councillor Evans said: “This is a ground-floor extension front and back, and you will have seen the objections from the two neighbouring properties because it will straddle one of these all the way down the back of their kitchen.

“At the moment they can look out of their kitchen from the side and back windows, but without doubt this development will result in a huge reduction in light.

“This is a busy main road, so these residents live mainly in the back kitchen area of the house and need to be allowed to enjoy some quality of life – and their retirement years.

“These are people who have lived in this property some 50 years and I think there will be a material loss to their quality of life.

“It will massively affect one neighbouring property and potentially the other as it is so close,” he added.

“If somebody wants to do an extension they should do it so it doesn’t affect neighbouring properties.

“I’m asking members to consider the existing long-term residents here. They deserve to have some quality of life in their twilight years.”

The council’s recommendation was to grant permission for the proposed extension – which was endorsed and moved by Councillor Phil Page.

Councillor Wendy Thompson seconded the application which was then approved.