Residents have reacted with dismay after Redditch planners agreed to back plans for an apartment block of five flats to be built in a car park off Shottery Close, Ipsley.
Paul Stenhouse, of nearby Ipsley Manor, told borough planners of behalf of residents: “This building is inappropriate and out of character with the street scene, it’s in the middle of a car park and will create clutter and congestion.
“Nearby Shottery Close is already reduced to a single carriageway at times due to parking problems.”
He added that there was no pedestrian pathway and that residents of the flats would be stepping straight out into the car park, creating a danger.
Last Wednesday’s Redditch Borough Council planning committee heard that the developers had already altered the plan — turning it through 90 degrees — following complaints from nearby Alveston Close residents.
However, Conservative councillor for Matchborough, Juliet Brunner, asked if a series of mitigating measures to lessen the impact of development could be introduced.
Barney McElholm, speaking for the applicant, said: “We have listened carefully to comments from the public and rotated the building. There is improved parking provision with ample additional spaces on site and I cannot see that the car park is an issue here.
“Everyone who lives in Ipsley Manor uses the car park for pedestrian purposes.”
Chairman of the planning committee, Coun Andy Fry, said from the varying plans of the development the committee had had before it, he felt this was the best option.
“I can understand the objections of local residents,” he said. “However, I think the officers are right in this case to ask for planning permission to be granted.”
