Shop plans for 'busy rat run' refused by inspector

A bid to open a shop on a "busy rat run" in Wolverhampton city centre has been dealt another blow after an appeal was thrown out by a government inspector.

Plans to convert the house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Dunstall Road, Wolverhampton into a shop were first turned down by the City of Wolverhampton Council in 2023.

Council officers voiced concerns over parking and congestion issues surrounding the store.

The plans have since been rejected by the council again and an appeal from applicant Rohullah Azizi has now been turned down.

Rejecting the application last year, council planners said they were concerned the proposed shop, which would open opposite a church and busy medical centre would have an "unacceptable impact" on the area.

It was close to a row of shops and takeaways on a "busy rat run" covered in double yellow lines, the council said.

Its decision was backed by the planning inspectorate, who said the shop and car park, set to be located on the "narrow" Leicester Street, would "erode the character" of the area. It also said it could cause disruption to neighbours at a time in the evening when they would be "settling down and relaxing."

The lack of spaces on the proposed car park and dedicated space for deliveries were also reasons to throw out the appeal, the inspectorate ruled.

Mr Azizi can either take his appeal to the High Court, or can submit revised plans to the council.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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