Councillors asked to think again over Oldbury homes plan
Councillors are being asked to approve a controversial planning application to build on green space in Oldbury after throwing out a similar plan five months ago.
Sandwell planning committee is being recommended to grant permission for the homes on Wolverhampton Road after originally rejecting the development.
Developers have now submitted a new, smaller project for 13 homes – down from 14.
In March, the scheme was turned down on the the grounds of inadequate parking, over-development, flood risk and the loss of open space despite the council selling the land as suitable for housing in 2016.
In a report to the committee, planning officers say there are no grounds to refuse the new application adding: "Highways have stated that parking provision is plentiful and have raised no concerns in regards to highway safety; the Lead Local Flood Authority has raised no objection in respect of flood risk (furthermore, the site does not meet the criteria for comment by the Environment Agency); and the loss of open space cannot be credibly upheld as a reason for refusal, due to the site being long identified as surplus to the council’s open space requirements."
Recommending councillors approve the development, they add: "The proposal offers a housing scheme within the context of an established residential area which will assist in contributing toward the shortfall of housing identified within Sandwell.
"Considering the comments of consultees, there are no robust planning grounds to withhold planning permission. The proposal is acceptable from a planning perspective and is recommended for approval subject to conditions."
The application will be discussed at the committee’s meeting on September 9.
