20 Richmond Road Stechford Birmingham B33 8SH

1. 1.The proposed external alterations, specifically the replacement of the existing large glazed commercial door and window with a residential-style UPVC door and window, would result in a discordant and incongruous frontage that fails to respect the established character of the surrounding area. The immediate context is predominantly residential, comprising modestly scaled properties with traditional single-door entrances. The proposed changes would therefore detract from the visual coherence of the street scene and cause harm to the character and appearance of the property and its setting, contrary to City Note LW8, LW24 and LW35 of the Birmingham Design Guide 2022.
2. 2.The proposed studio flat would provide an internal floor area of approximately 23sqm, which falls significantly below the minimum standards set out in the Nationally Described Space Standards (2015), which require at least 37sqm for a one-person dwelling with a shower room. As such, the proposal would fail to provide an acceptable standard of accommodation for future occupants, resulting in a cramped and poor-quality living environment. The development is therefore contrary to Policy PG3 of the Birmingham Development Plan 2017 and Policy DM10 of the Development Management in Birmingham Development Plan Document (DPD).
3. 3.Policies DM2 of the Development Management in Birmingham DPD and City Note LW-13 of the Birmingham Design Guide require all residential development to provide access to high-quality, usable outdoor amenity space. The proposal fails to demonstrate how the new unit would benefit from designated access to such space. The existing rear garden measures approximately 44sqm and already serves the existing dwelling, falling short of the 70sqm recommended for two units. No provision has been made to ensure the proposed studio has access to its own outdoor amenity area. As such, the proposal fails to meet the requirements of Policy DM2 and City Note LW-13, resulting in a poor standard of residential amenity for future occupants.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

B33 8SH

Application type

Full Planning

Scale / size

Small

District

Yardley

Date validated

6 October 2025

Application expires

1 December 2025

Statutory period

56 days

Documents

9