Plans to construct new homes adjacent to a historic building in Stourbridge have been given the green light, despite an earlier rejection. Dudley Council had previously dismissed an application for the demolition of an existing structure to pave way for two new residences next to the Grade II-listed Brotherhood Hall on Scotts Road.

However, the Planning Inspectorate upheld an appeal against this decision, concluding that the new construction would not negatively impact the 17th-century Quaker hall, also known as Friends Meeting House, reports Birmingham Live. In her verdict, planning inspector Helen O’Connor stated: “I find the development would make a small improvement to the character and appearance of the area and wider setting of the listed building.”

“Hence, it would preserve the special qualities of the listed building and its setting. It follows that the development would avoid causing harm to the significance of the listed building.”

The inspector also refuted the council’s assertion that the new homes, designed with three bedrooms, could potentially be enlarged by converting their additional rooms such as a study, family room and living room.

The council had argued that “the internal layout means that the proposed development could contain up to five bedrooms which means there would be an under-supply of car parking when assessed the adopted Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document”. In her ruling, Ms O’Conner concluded that while rooms could be converted into bedrooms or sub-divided, this is true for many homes and the council had not established a precedent of rejecting applications by enforcing minimum standards.

She further stated: “It is understandable that the council may wish to avoid deliberate circumvention of the parking standards. However, in this case a plausible explanation for the size and position of the study, family dining room and living room has been provided and the layout is not an unusual one.