TWO houses in Lowes Hill are to be knocked down to make way for eight new homes, despite objections by surrounding residents.

Planning was granted last night by Bromsgrove District Council’s planning committee to demolish 163 and 165, Birmingham Road to build a mixture of detached 3, 4 and 5 bed houses.

Previously permission was granted to build five new homes on the land in September last year, but following discussions with nearby landowners more land has been released to facilitate a bigger development.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Site map for new housing development. Site map for new housing development.

151 and 157 Birmingham Road and 73 All Saints Road are to sell a large proportion of their back garden to the applicants which will house plot 5, 6 and 7.

Surrounding residents have voiced their concerns about security and lack of light due to the new dwellings backing on to current properties.

Nicola Smith of All Saints Road said: “Why does there need to be eight houses and why does one, which will be right up against my garden, have to be three storeys high? Also, what about the impact it will have on the environment? We have hedgehogs that visit which are in decline. If there is going be houses with solid fencing or brick walls how will the hedgehog’s roam?

“I am a lady in my seventies who is concerned about security I do not want people having access to my garden and house.”

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Location plan.Location plan.

Christopher Wilkes of Oakland Grove said: “I object to this planning application as I am concerned about the impact the proposed development will have due to the following.

"The proposed plans show that there would be a significant reduction in natural sunlight to the rear of our property and garden from plot five, which is extremely close to the boundary wall. This will impact our daily lives as I work evenings, so what little daylight I do see is enjoyed in the garden along with my children. I have spent a lot of time and money on this, and our plants will receive a lot less sunlight throughout the year.

"We will lose privacy, as we currently have nothing but gardens to the south of our property, and the new properties will be overlooking our garden.”

Permission was passed with eight votes for and one vote against.