Solihull planners have given the green light to allow a pair of semi-detached properties to be built in a narrow cul-de-sac in Castle Bromwich.

Applicant Abid Fiaz, the homeowner, applied last December to build the homes on an existing garden area at a property in New Street saying this was a "modest-scale residential infill".

The homeowner had proposed demolition of the existing garage and conservatory to make way for the two new homes.

The scheme went before the latest meeting of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's (SMBC) planning committee after 29 neighbours had sent in objections against the plan.

In a presentation to councillors planning officer Kim Allen said the site was a "real anomaly" in the street scene due to its large size.

In the public speaking section Sam Taylor then said: "This application is inappropriate for New Street.

"Residents' objections clearly centre on planning concerns, highway safety, emergency access, residential amenity, the character of the area and suitability of the constrained site.

"The narrow historic street was never designed for the size of modern vehicles. Construction traffic and vehicles would place further pressure on an already constrained highway."

Ward councillor Jamie Campbell said: "I'm speaking on behalf of residents.

"Residents recognise the need for additional homes across the borough. They're concerned this particular proposal is not well suited (to the area).

"New Street is one of the oldest roads in Castle Bromwich. The proposal would introduce what is effectively back land development, behind the established frontage.

"In doing so it would erode the historic pattern that defines the street – intensive development out of keeping with its surroundings."

In the committee's debate chairman of the committee Cllr Bob Grinsell said he felt everyone was in agreement the road was narrow.

"I had to make a seven point turn to turn around when I reached the end of the cul-de-sac," he said.

"Having said that a lot of what has been said is not in line with what we are constrained to do by national policy."

He highlighted the application was for outline planning permission, and the applicant would need to submit a reserved matters application – covering areas such as access and layout – to the authority at a later date.

Cllr Yvonne Clements, who said she didn't like what was being proposed, raised emergency services access.

The officer replied: "That is a matter our highway engineers would have looked at, they have raised no objections."

Cllr James Bradley said: "As far as the plans look, the dimensions, there is adequate space for two car parking spaces for each dwelling proposed.

"It might even have a better time parking at these dwellings than any of the other dwellings on the street that don't have car parking whatsoever."

After further discussions about highway safety in the cul-de-sac, the chairman said: "I don't like it (this scheme).

"But in planning law how can I refuse it?"

When Cllr Grinsell moved to the vote, six committee members voted in favour, with two against and one abstention.

The meeting was held at the Civic Suite on September 9.