PLANS to build homes on the site of former lock-up garages in Halesowen which have become a magnet for fly-tipping have been withdrawn after objections.

The proposal to built two two-bedroom semi-detached homes on the land on Malt Mill Lane, had been recommended for refusal on the grounds of a lack of parking.

Local firm Steam Plant Engineering business, based in Victoria Road, had objected to the plan on the grounds that any new residents could be disturbed by noise from its operations.

Halesowen News:

The objection stated: "We have grave concerns, that the dwellings will be within four meters of our yard, we have previously had issues with noise and lights coming on in the yard by animal movement at night, the residents that complained were all much further away than four meters.

"We are a busy business are main hours of operation are 7.30-16.00, however vans are collected earlier than this to get to site for 8.00, we also carry out works after office hours to customer requirements.

"We constantly have large lorries and a forklift moving around during the day and a compressor that runs intermittently throughout the day."

The planning application stated that the land, near Shell Corner, had become "an eye-sore and has been a hot-spot for fly-tipping and other anti-social behaviour."

Planning documents state that: "A vehicle barrier has now been installed by the applicant to try and reduce any anti-social behaviour to the former car park before any future development works commence."

A report by Dudley Council's highways department stated that the two homes would need four car parking spaces and that the site was suitable for one house only, preferably a two of three bedroom dormer bungalow.

A local resident also objected saying: "The current situation of the properties to be built affect our privacy (back garden) including our neighbours gardens including rear windows of their properties and affects our outlook. Our suggestion would be to turn the properties 90 degrees and build them side on."

Former councillor Hilary Bills said: "This is a very difficult piece of land to develop because it is closely bordered by residences and a business. 

"It was a good car parking area until anti-social behaviour caused it to be closed and a large concrete block has been in place for many years to stop anti-social behaviour."

The application was withdrawn on June 1.