159 Albert Road Stechford Birmingham B33 8UB

1. 1.The proposed development would result in substandard living conditions for future occupiers of Flat 1 and Flat 2 due to inadequate levels of natural light and poor outlook. Habitable rooms would rely on limited, poorly positioned glazing or rooflights, resulting in a confined and unsatisfactory internal living environment that would be harmful to residential amenity. The proposal therefore fails to secure a good standard of accommodation and is contrary to Policy PG3 of the Birmingham Development Plan (2017), Policies DM2 and DM10 of the Development Management in Birmingham DPD, and City Note LW-12 of the Birmingham Design Guide, which seek to ensure high-quality residential environments.
2. 2.The proposed increase in the height, depth and overall massing of the rear extension would materially worsen the existing breach of the 45-degree code, as set out in City Note LW-4 of the Birmingham Design Guide, to the nearest habitable room window at No. 161 Albert Road. The cumulative bulk and proximity of the extension would result in an overdominant and enclosing form of development, causing unacceptable harm to the outlook and residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy PG3 of the Birmingham Development Plan (2017) and the Birmingham Design Guide.
3. 3.The proposed access arrangement, which would require one of the residential units to be accessed from the rear via a narrow and enclosed alleyway, would fail to provide a clear, legible and appropriately overlooked entrance. This arrangement represents poor urban design, would not promote natural surveillance, and would result in a poor sense of arrival, giving rise to a perception of insecurity. As such, the proposal fails to create a safe, inclusive and well-designed environment and is contrary to Policy PG3 of the Birmingham Development Plan (2017) and the principles set out in the Birmingham Design Guide (Streets and Spaces City Manual).

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

B33 8UB

Application type

Full Planning

Scale / size

Small

District

Yardley

Date validated

19 November 2025

Application expires

14 January 2026

Case officer

Vajid Mahmood

Documents

2