Solihull planners have refused permission for the construction of a proposed four bedroom home in Olton which had been opposed by residents.

Developer Warmthhomes applied to build the detached home on garden land behind 29 Ulverley Crescent, but this led to 12 objection letters from neighbours and ward councillor James Bradley being submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC).

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported tensions boiled over when the application went before the last meeting of the authority's planning committee with a resident of Fentham Court, near the proposed site, shouting and storming out.

At that May meeting councillors decided to delay their decision to visit the site, with the application coming before the committee's latest meeting.

At the start planning officer Matthew Heynes reminded committee members officers had recommended the scheme be approved, subject to conditions.

In the public speaking section ward councillor James Bradley said: "Thank you for deferring in May and undertaking a site visit – I hope it has given you an opportunity to see how the dwelling really fails to sit in the area.

"The property fails to fit the streetscene because arguably this is not a streetscene – its residential gardens and a car park."

The applicant did not attend the meeting but at May's meeting Akaash Chudasama, representing the applicant, had said the site was an "accessible location to local services" in an existing suburban area.

In the committee's debate cllr David Hoey asked if the scheme complied with the council's planning policies and also asked: "Will the garden space provided for what is intended to be a substantial family dwelling meet the council's expected standards?"

The officer replied: "There is a mix of residential types in the area. Given there is not a kind of uniform design it was considered a dwelling of this design is acceptable in this location.

"Although it is not the depth (of the garden) we would necessarily expect, it has got quite a significant width so it is considered to have acceptable amenity space."

Cllr Hoey then said the scheme would affect the ability for neighbours to enjoy their gardens.

Chairman of the committee cllr Bob Grinsell agreed saying: "In the recent 20 days of hot weather you want to sit out.

"People reference their gardens as another room – my view is it is an amenity issue."

Officer Mark Andrews, the council's head, said: "Our guidance will look at the distance between respective properties, the proposed and existing, and whether that gap is acceptable or not.

"In this case officers feel that gap is acceptable.

"It comes to the crux of the issue if you feel that relationship is too imposing or intense."

When the vote was held just two committee members voted in favour with six against.

The committee went on to give as its official reason for refusal that the scheme was not in compliance with the planning policy of respecting the amenity of neighbours.

Straight after that item a further application for extending 29 Ulverley Crescent – a seperate proposal from applicant Mr Rasib – was considered and also refused by the committee for also not being complaint with planning policies.

The meeting was held at the Civic Suite on July 24.