Stourbridge garage row sparks fears from Dudley councillor for 'trampled on' residents

A row over a fence in Stourbridge resulted in a councillor slamming the planning process for leaving residents ‘trampled on’. A retrospective application from Prestwood Garage on Bridgnorth Road, Stourbridge for a retaining wall, hardstanding and fence sparked fierce opposition from neighbours and local councillors who submitted more than 100 letters of objection.

Despite concerns about flooding, noise and light pollution, the removal of trees and boundaries, council officers recommended approval of the application saying many of the objections were not matters for planning and there had been no specific concerns raised about flooding. A report from officers for Dudley Council’s Planning Committee said: “Both the Environment Agency and the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) were consulted on the application.

“The LLFA note that the nature of the proposals, would not result in any significant change to the impermeable area and little change to the surface water runoff generated by the site.” The report added that the removed trees were not protected and residents should take concerns about noise and light to the council’s Environmental Safety and Health team.

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Officers also said disputes about land ownership were a civil matter outside the remit of planning. At a meeting of the committee on November 11, officers’ comments left committee member Cllr Shaun Keasey frustrated.

Cllr Keasey said: “I get fed up of hearing that residents don’t matter but other authorities do. “I’m fed up of seeing residents trampled on because other authorities say everything is fine.”

Joanne Todd, development manager in Dudley Council’s planning team, replied saying: “That is not what officers are saying at all, the residents’ concerns are reported, that is considered as part of the planning application in accordance with due process.” Cllr Keasey responded saying he was not ‘having a go at officers’.

Cllr Asif Ahmed said: “It’s not very often we get that many people objecting to something of this nature, we have had two very contrasting sides to the story. “It appears the applicant has tried to address a number of concerns but on the other side we have a number of locals including councillors saying it’s not quite right.”

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The committee voted to defer a decision on the application until they had made a visit to the site.