The Wolverhampton Council Planning Committee met on 9 September 2025 to discuss several planning applications, a tree preservation order, and other related matters. The committee, chaired by Councillor Paul Sweet, was scheduled to review proposals ranging from housing developments to modifications of existing structures. The agenda included consideration of objections and feedback from consultees, and sought to align decisions with the council's development plan and national planning policies.

Land at Corner Of Russell Street, Zoar Street And Merridale Street

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the proposed demolition of residential garages, and construction of an apartment block comprising twelve, one-bedroom apartments, with associated landscaping, boundary treatments and parking at land at the corner of Russell Street, Zoar Street and Merridale Street, WV3 0PF.

According to the report pack, the site is located 330m west of the City Centre Ring Road. It is rectangular, level, and hard-surfaced, containing 36 disused single-storey garages. Russell Street Park lies immediately to the north-east.

One objection had been received, with the objector stating that the proposed building would harm their south-facing outlook, and that their light availability would be diminished by overshadowing of the proposed scheme, specifically during the winter months. The objector also raised concerns about overlooking from the directly facing windows within the proposal, and that the loss of neighbouring residents privacy would be in contravention of European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR ).

Despite the objection, internal consultees including Environmental Protection, Transportation, Private Sector Housing and the Landscape Architect raised no objections.

External consultees West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service also raised no objections.

Staffordshire County Council (Local Lead Flood Authority) raised concerns, specifically concerning: a lack of mitigation measures will be implemented to stop exceedance flows leaving the site; and no use of SuDS / natural infiltration to dispose of surface water.

The report pack stated that the re-development of this brownfield site is supported, and that creating 12 new dwellings would help meet the Council's growing housing demand.

The Royal Oak, New Street, Portobello, Wolverhampton

The committee was scheduled to consider an application relating to The Royal Oak, New Street, Portobello, Wolverhampton, WV13 3TJ. The proposal seeks permission for a single storey extension to the existing public house, conversion of an existing five bedroom first floor apartment into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) for five persons, installation of a new fire exit stair from the first floor and provision of external amenity space and boundary treatments.

The report pack notes that the pub has been closed since 2022 and remains vacant, and that it has suffered from vandalism and fly-tipping. It also notes that the applicant has commenced internal works to convert the first floor into an HMO and alter the ground floor, without obtaining planning permission, and that the owner has been advised that these unauthorised works may lead to Planning Enforcement action.

Nine objections have been received. Comments summarised as follows:

Car Wash Concerns:

• Increased traffic congestion, highway and pedestrian safety risks.
• Potential surface water runoff and freezing hazards.
• Oversaturation of car washes in the area.
• Proximity to an existing car wash business at 600 Willenhall Road, which would suffer severe trade loss and may be forced to close.

HMO Concerns:

• Risk of contributing to and exacerbating local crime and anti-social behaviour.
• Overconcentration of HMOs, making the area less attractive and discouraging investment.
• Loss of the Royal Oak public house adds to the decline of local amenities.
• Highway and pedestrian safety concerns.
• Uncertainty about the proposed occupants of the first-floor HMO.
• Existing issues with graffiti, vermin and fly-tipping; the building is currently an eyesore.
• Negative impact on the safety, wellbeing, and quality of life for residents, including families and vulnerable individuals, and nearby sensitive uses such as the neighbouring nursery.
• The proposed HMO is unsuitable due to the unsafe proximity of the telecommunications mast.

Councillor Louise Miles has commented, sharing the concerns of residents about the proposed HMO, and questioning why the publican/leaseholder isn't going to live above the pub. Councillor Steve Russell has commented that the removal of the car wash significantly improves the overall proposed development.

Transportation raised no objections. Private Sector Housing stated that all rooms appear to meet the recommended Council standards, and made detailed comments in respect of fire safety. West Midlands Police raised no objections, subject to conditions including tenant vetting, tenancy management, resident-only access to first floor HMO, external lighting, and CCTV.

Cleveland Arms Public House, Stowheath Lane, Wolverhampton

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application relating to the Cleveland Arms Public House, Stowheath Lane, Wolverhampton, WV1 2QN. The application seeks approval for various external works which comprises: general redecoration of the building, replacement of the external tile hanging with timber cladding, new close boarded fencing around the yard area to screen bins and chillers, timber posts with festoon lighting to the patio area, new post and chain fencing around the perimeter of the patio area, and 2 new sleeper planters.

Eighteen letters of objection have been received, with concerns including the loss of a community pub to Toby Carvery, car parking, noise from the outdoor seating area, unloading on the footpath, and an increase in traffic generation.

The report pack stated that the proposed external works do not involve a change of use of the building and site, and that the premises currently operates as a Sizzling pub/restaurant, and this use will continue to operate with a change in branding of the food offer to a Toby Carvery.

269 Newhampton Road East Wolverhampton

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application relating to 269 Newhampton Road East, WV1 4AW. The proposal is for a retrospective HMO (House in Multiple Occupation).

The report pack notes that the property was recently acquired (December 2024) by the applicant as an existing house in multiple occupation, with 5 sitting tenants. However, when the applicant attempted to apply for a licence, via Private Sector Housing he was informed that planning permission would be required for the intended use.

No objections had been received.

Highway and Transportation raised no objections. Private Sector Housing raised no Objection subject to Fire Safety Checks by Building Control.

The Police requested a satisfactory fire assessment, a Management Plan to assist with rule setting for tenants, that the house only accommodate students and not have a mix of students with working/employed persons/young professionals, and raised objections to any new HIMO in the area.

Building Control stated that the layout appears to work but would need more information to comment further

The report pack stated that for a usage to be recognised, 10 years of evidence showing a continual usage is required to confirm it's established. The applicant could only provide seven years of evidence (tenancy agreements) from the previous owner, therefore, has applied for a change of use to formalise the use, and to apply for his HIMO license via Private Sector Housing.

8 Chilgrove Gardens, Wolverhampton

The committee was scheduled to consider an application relating to 8 Chilgrove Gardens, Wolverhampton, WV6 8XP. The application seeks retrospective variation of condition 2 of approved application (24/00983/FUL), to substitute the approved plans to amend rear extension design, proposing increased depth and raised roof height, with additional roof lanterns and obscurely glazed side facing windows.

Three objections have been received on the following material planning grounds:

• Over development of the plot, the scale not in-keeping with the surrounding character
• Further loss of garden land, reduces biodiversity value
• Detrimental harm to the amenities of No.6 Chilgrove Gardens:
  • Overbearing development harm's their south-facing outlook within the garden
  • Loss of natural light to the garden throughout late morning and early afternoon

Objections made also include the following non-material planning considerations:

• Project management and communication by architect or builders
• Retrospective nature of the application
• Reduction in property value

6 Perton Grove, Wolverhampton

The committee was scheduled to consider an outline application for the erection of four, 4-bed detached dwellings at 6 Perton Grove, Wolverhampton, WV6 8DH.

Eleven letters of objections have been received objecting to the proposal, with concerns including overdevelopment and the site being out of keeping with the area, an increase in vehicular activity and no pedestrian access, inadequate and unsafe access, loss of trees, disruption during construction phase, drainage issues, environmental impact/lack of bat survey, and a land ownership query.

Highways and Trees raised no objections, and the Landscape and Ecology team stated that conditions should be considered for biodiversity, soft and hard landscaping at reserved matter stage.

1 Southfield Grove, Wolverhampton

The committee was scheduled to discuss a report to confirm The Wolverhampton (1 Southfield Grove) Tree Preservation Order 2025.

The tree subject to the order was identified for inclusion following a request from the owner of 1 Southfield Grove, who had complaints from neighbours who wished to cut the tree back from their properties. There was evidence of previous poor pruning of this tree on the neighbour's side.

An objection was received from the owner of 36 Bhylls Lane, stating that the tree does not merit a TPO as it does not meet the requirements set out in the legislation.

Other items

The committee was also scheduled to approve the Minutes of the Previous Meeting and to consider any matters arising.