The Redditch Borough Council Planning Committee met to discuss several planning applications, including a change of use for a disused hostel, the installation of a multi-use games area, and several requests for extensions to existing properties. Councillors voted to approve the multi-use games area, and also approved the Stonebridge Nursing Home extension from the previous meeting. The committee delegated powers to the Assistant Director of Planning, Leisure and Culture Services to make a decision on another application, pending any late objections.

Morton Stanley Park MUGA

The committee voted to approve the installation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Morton Stanley Park on Windmill Drive. The proposed MUGA would be a 24m x 15m tarmac area enclosed by a steel fence, with basketball hoops and recessed goals.

The planning application, reference 25/00437/FUL, received one letter of objection, citing concerns about potential vandalism, misuse after hours, and increased pressure for parking. However, the council's Community Safety Officer noted that while such developments can attract anti-social behaviour, the location of the MUGA near the café and footpath network would allow for some natural surveillance.

The council's Leisure Services team supported the application, stating that the MUGA would complement existing facilities and provide a space suitable for a wider age range. The team also noted that the proposed site offers easy access and a fully hardstanding surface.

The committee agreed with the recommendations in the 25 00437 FUL Committee Report MUGA, and delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Planning, Leisure and Culture Services to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 planning obligation¹ ensuring a suitable Biodiversity Net Gain Plan is submitted and implemented, along with suitable management, monitoring, and payment of monitoring fees. Worcester County Council Archaeology recommended a programme of archaeological works be secured and implemented by means of a suitably worded condition attached to any grant of planning permission, due to the site's proximity to a potential medieval farmstead and routeway.

Stonebridge Nursing Home

The committee ratified a decision to grant planning permission for extensions to Stonebridge Nursing Home on Birchfield Road, Headless Cross. The application, reference 25/00636/FUL, sought permission for a two-storey rear and front extension to improve facilities.

The item had been discussed at the previous meeting on 14 August, where Councillor Ian Woodall declared an interest and left the room during the debate and decision.

At that meeting, officers clarified that the extensions would create an additional three bedrooms within the home, and that the plan detailed 29 parking spaces, which was compliant with parking standards.

Despite objections from local residents and Councillor Barker Smith, ward member, the committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions outlined in the Public reports pack 11th-Sep-2025 19.00 Planning.

The Anchorage, West Avenue

The committee discussed an application, reference 24/01206/FUL, to change the use of The Anchorage, a disused hostel on West Avenue, Smallwood, into three flats. The proposal included two one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat, with four off-street parking spaces, new footpaths, a retaining wall, drainage works, and bin and cycle storage.

Worcestershire Highways raised no objections, subject to conditions. Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) - Contaminated Land recommended conditions due to the site's proximity to a former landfill and area of unknown contamination. The council's Tree Officer also raised no objections, despite the removal of three trees.

No comments were submitted following public consultation.

The committee delegated powers to the Assistant Director of Planning, Leisure, and Cultural Services, to determine the application on 12 September, subject to no objections being received which raise material considerations not already considered as part of the officer's report.

2 Marlpit Lane

The committee discussed an application, reference 25/00790/FUL, for a single-storey side extension, a two-storey rear extension, and a part first-floor front extension at 2 Marlpit Lane, Headless Cross.

Worcestershire Highways raised no objections, subject to conditions. No comments were received from the public following consultation.

The committee delegated powers to the Assistant Director of Planning, Leisure, and Cultural Services, to determine the application on 12 September, subject to no objections being received which raise material considerations not already considered as part of the officer's report.

57 Poplar Road

The committee considered an application, reference 25/00791/S73, to vary condition 5 (opening hours) of planning permission 19/01452/FUL for 57 Poplar Road, Batchley. The application sought to allow the premises to open from 11am every day, including Wednesdays, while retaining the same closing times.

The applicant, Mr Gursharan Singh, proposed the following opening hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 11am to 11pm
• Sunday: 11am to 7pm
• Bank Holidays: 11am to 9pm

Worcestershire Highways, WRS - Noise, and the Community Safety Manager raised no objections to the application. No comments were received from the public following consultation.

The committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.

Former Hawthorne Rd Community Centre

The committee reviewed an application, reference 25/00969/DEM, for prior approval for the demolition of the former Hawthorne Rd Community Centre, Batchley.

The application was submitted under Part 11, Class B of the Town and County (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended.

WRS - Contaminated Land and WRS - Noise raised no objections. No letters of representation were received.

The committee determined that prior approval for demolition was not required.