Anger over Jewellery Quarter flats
PLANS for 14 new apartments alongside existing homes in the Jewellery Quarter have been approved despite concerns it will make neighbours “claustrophobic”.
The proposals from Apex Investments Ltd will see the former Henry’s Restaurant in St Paul’s Square demolished and a four-storey block of flats with shops on the ground floor built.
The plans had been opposed in a petition signed by 77 people, including residents of nearby St Paul’s Court which would stand next to the new development.
Concerns included a loss of privacy and light at the existing homes which include a row of townhouses.
Speaking against the plans, Maggie Weiying He, a resident of St Paul’s Court, said: “A four-storey building will be imposing on all our rooms. It will be overbearing and have such a severe impact on light, noise and privacy that it will literally make us claustrophobic in our own homes, hence our repeated objection.”
Another opponent said during
the meeting: “We did ask for various meetings with the planning officer to come and see where we live – and we are owner-occupiers – and those were never taken up.
“It is going to affect us massively. We bought that property for some considerable expense.”
A spokesman for the developer told councillors: “This is a brownfield site in a highly sustainable location. We have policies confirming residential developments of up to four stories as proposed are acceptable.”
Presenting a report to councillors, a planning officer said: “There are heritage benefits associated with this and no harm has been identified by the conservation officer as part of this proposal.”
The committee voted in favour of the plans by ten to one with one abstention.