A new apartment block has narrowly been given planning permission by Solihull planners.

The close vote over building the block of eight apartments in Danford Lane led to chairman of the planning committee changing his mind from initially abstaining.

Applicant Claire Rumley submitted the plan, which included demolition of the existing property, last May with it coming before Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) planning committee's latest meeting.

A design and access statement from planning agents Neil Boddison Associates said: "The proposal represents a high-quality form of residential development that responds positively to both the site and its wider context, delivering an appropriate and sustainable redevelopment of this prominent residential plot.".

In the public speaking section resident Jonathan Berry said: "I live opposite the site and represent objections to this application.

"Our concerns are overdevelopment, harm to local character, safety and congestion and the impact to trees and landscape.

"23 objections including three councillors demonstrate the remarkable consistency – getting 23 people to agree almost anything is difficult however the community constantly identifies the same issues."

Ward councillor Mark Parker said the proposed three story block did not respect the local environment and character "through mass density that can only be described as town cramming."

A statement was read out from planning agent Dan Jones which said: "The design and massing have been carefully considered in the context of Danford Lane.

"There are existing three storey apartment buildings immediately adjacent to the site.

"The proposed use and scale have a clear relationship with the wider residential character of this part of Solihull."

In the debate Cllr Michael James asked about the demolition of the existing building he described as "beautiful".

Officer Kim Allen pointed out a previous application had been approved for three homes on the site with that home being demolished, after checks by the heritage team found it could not be protected.

"The loss of the home has already been accepted by the council," the officer said.

Cllr Adrian Stefanovici asked the reason the applicant didn't pursue the original approved three dwelling plan.

The officer replied: "I'm not able to answer that, that is for the applicants.

"They are entitled to submit a revised scheme."

Planning committee chairman Cllr Bob Grinsell said he drove past the development regularly but had concerns about the loss of trees.

Cllr James Bradley said there would be "no doubt" it would change the street scene dramatically.

The chairman then said: "This has thrown me completely to be honest.

"It will open up the street scene.

"There are some apartments opposite (in Westwood Grove). But those apartments are well hidden."

The chairman moved to the vote on a recommendation of approval subject to conditions which included added conditions for boundary treatment and lighting.

Four councillors voted in favour with three against. That led the chairman to say: "I've currently abstained but I think it would be wrong based on the voting to abstain.

"So I'm going to add my vote to approval."