‘Most luxurious shed’ built in Solihull without permission is being demolished

A garden storage building dubbed the “most luxurious shed”is being demolished after being built without permission

Neighbours of the controversial structure - on Longmore Road in Shirley - said there was now more light in rooms.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported in April that Solihull Council’s planning committee voted against permitting the building.

The structure had not previously received permission and was “substantially complete” when it reached committee.

It was described in the planning application as a storage shed but was likened by councillors to a bungalow – with fears residents at a neighbouring care facility would be left staring at a brick wall.

Councillors unanimously voted against the plans despite officers recommending approval on the basis the building would not cause “undue harm to the character and appearance of the area”.

‘They’ve take then Michael out of us’ and other things Solihull Councillors said about the ‘luxury shed’

Cllr Richard Holt (Con, Blythe), chair of the planning committee, said at the time “we are not going to be taken for being mugs in Solihull, clearly it’s a bungalow”.

Shirley West councillor Maggie Allen (Green) had dubbed the building “the most luxurious shed” she had seen.

And Cllr Diana Holl-Allen (Con, Knowle) remarked “they’ve taken the Michael out of us haven’t they?”

What did the neighbours say about the shed?

Eileen Ward, a trustee of a neighbouring care home Elizabeth House, had objected, stating a “featureless brick wall” now faced residents when they looked out the window.

The case also led to an online debate, with one commenter who was dubious about the description of it as a shed stating “the lawnmower is going to be living a life of luxury”.

Others were more in favour of the development , arguing owners should be free to build on their land with one stating “who is it actually hurting? No one!”.

When will the “luxury shed” be fully demolished?

Solihull Council this week confirmed that following an unsuccessful appeal, demolition work had begun.

A Solihull Council spokesperson said: “Officers have remained in communication with the owner of the site since the dismissal of the appeal in July to pursue the necessary remedial works and the necessary demolition work has since duly commenced.

“We understand that it is anticipated to be finished in the very near future and it will be checked on completion before the case is finally closed.”

The council declined to issue a photo of the progress for legal reasons.

A neighbour who did not want to be named confirmed a building had been removed and said there was more light in rooms previously facing the structure.

An existing structure in the garden can still be seen from public space at the rear of the building in Elizabeth Grove.

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