A ROW has broken out over planning permission to demolish a Rock Hill cottage and replace it with two three-storey houses which residents say will cause ‘disruption’ to the area.
Michael Thompson told the Standard: “I have spoken to several residents who are complaining they were not notified by Bromsgrove District Council about this planning.
“Their particular concern is we are already experiencing heavy traffic from the ongoing work on the M5.”
He added: “I am concerned about the long-term effect the houses will have on neighbouring properties, and the traffic problems it will cause when the excavation begins.”
Coun Thompson said he had spoken to several residents who confirmed the district council had not consulted them about the planning agreement.
He said the neighbours next to the cottage were also concerned the planned buildings would block sunlight from entering their home.
However according to a council spokesperson, a total of 19 people were notified about the planning permission and a site notice was displayed.
Residents say the cottage itself was once hired as a boudoir and ‘adult play’ dungeon for many years until it was sold on.
One internet record shows the cottage advertised in this capacity in 2009.
The Standard spoke to cottage owner John Rudge who said he was no longer taking on the task of building the two three-storey houses, but had recently decided to sell the project on to another developer instead.
In response to local concerns about traffic congestion he said: “That’s nonsense, it’s not true, and if it were, the council would not have approved it. There’s no issue.”
Coun Thompson told The Standard: “We are not convinced the district plan has at all considered traffic infrastructure as shown by Whitford Road and Perryfields.
“I drive down that road and live with those residents day in, day out. It’s very busy.
“At the end of the day, the proof is in the pudding and one only needs to live in Bromsgrove to hear the metaphoric creaks of the infrastructure.”
