Solihull planners have thrown out Shell’s petrol station redevelopment plan for being "out of character"

Solihull planners have turned down Shell’s proposed redevelopment of a petrol station saying it would be out of character for a residential area. 

The oil and gas giant wanted  to demolish an existing sales building and canopy link and car wash area but retain the forecourt at its  site in Warwick Road at the junction with Wadleys Road. 

In its place Shell aimed to build a new sales building with car parking spaces, an electric vehicle charging hub, new bin store, landscaping and associated works.

But the plan attracted dozens of objections from neighbours who raised concerns about a potential rise in anti-social behaviour, noise pollution and accidents at the junction. 

The application came before the latest meeting of Solihull Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, April 10.  

Officers had recommended the plan for approval with councillors told:  “The greater size of the retail store acts as a physical buffer between the comings and goings of cars to residents nearby. 

“There is good separation – it is a relatively large site and residents are some distance away.

“From our point of view that is acceptable.”

Officers said they had been mindful of residents’ objections but highlighted the initial application included a jet wash and ATM cashpoint – both removed by Shell. 

Councillor Peter Hogarth, who represents Solihull where the petrol station is based, said: “This application has caused a great deal of concern from neighbours.

“The shop presently is 94 square metres – it’s going to be upgraded three times to 270 square metres. 

“This is a residential area and it is not suitable for the sizable increase in store size.”  

Objector John Taylor, who lives on Warwick Road, said over 35 years Shell had changed the site “considerably”. 

“I don’t want an unnecessary supermarket across the road,” he said. 

“The proposed development is overbearing, out of scale, out of character – an industrial building which would dominate the site.”

Jackie Ford, acting on behalf of Shell, told councillors: “The application was originally submitted with an ATM and longer hours sought but, following concerns raised by residents, the ATM was removed and confirmation we would accept continuation of the existing opening hours and delivery restrictions.”

At the start of the debate it quickly became clear councillors were against the scheme. Councillor Martin McCarthy called the proposed sales building a “very standardised industrial building” which did not recognise the unique qualities of the area. 

Councillor Heather Delaney said: “I know highways has not objected but I know this site and coming out the petrol station is challenging.

“I went yesterday, I nearly got my front end taken off. I’m really concerned about adding traffic to that junction particularly at the busiest parts of the day.”

Councillor Dave Pinwell added: “The design of this (proposed sales building)  is totally out of keeping with the housing surrounding the site in traditional Solihull.”

Planning committee members voted unanimously against the proposal on the grounds of the design, scale and massing. 

Councillor Richard Holt, chairman of the planning committee, added: “It doesn’t seem to add anything to the street scene.”

Asked if Shell planned to submit a revised version of the plan a spokesperson said: “We are always looking for ways to improve our customers’ experience at our sites.

“We are committed to listening to customer feedback and working with our stakeholders to improve and include the features our customers desire.”

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