27 neighbours in row over 'overbearing' plans amid party house fears

THE PLANS FOR AN EXTENSION LOOK SET TO GO AHEAD NEXT WEEK 09:00, 30 May 2025 A neighbourhood row has erupted in a Wirral town over a home extension, with claims it could be used for parties

and complaints it would be “overbearing and dominating.” Plans for a two storey side extension, a single storey rear extension and balcony, front porch, and changes to a garden including a

new patio are coming to a Wirral Council planning committee next week on June 5. The changes, if approved, would be made to 33 Beacon Drive in Newton near West Kirby on the Wirral. Despite

two people stating they were in favour of the plans and a recommendation by council officers for approval, it has been called before elected members by local councillor Jenny Johnson and 27

neighbours who are against. Cllr Johnson said she had concerns about the scale of the development as well as overlooking and privacy issues. According to a council report, the 27 neighbours

have raised a number of concerns claiming the extension would be an over-development describing it “overbearing and dominating,” too close to other houses, and the balcony “towers over

neighbouring sites.” Other concerns included trees blocking light, a lack of information, as well as claims the home could be used for parties and AirBnBs. Another concern was the “loss in

value of neighbouring properties” and officers were accused of not properly scrutinising the plans. It was also suggested “planning officers might be weary and keen for the committee to

decide.” The two people in favour argue new trees will improve the area and maintain privacy, praising the design and arguing it is in keeping with the area. They said it would make a

positive contribution to the local community. Article continues below The home is currently a detached brick two-storey building built around 1950. Despite complaints people weren’t aware of

the plans, the council said it had complied with legal requirements when issuing notices. In their assessment of the plans, council officers found the two-storey extension still fit in with

the rest of the building and there would still be a visual break between properties. They also deemed the one-storey extension to the back won’t significantly change the home or the wider

area. Although the finished floor of this one storey extension will be 55cm higher than the floor level of the neighbouring home at number 31, council officers said: “The proposed single

storey extension is not considered to be unacceptable in terms of any overbearing or overshadowing effect.” The patio to the back will also include a ramp for wheelchair access and overall,

council officers said the proposals for the home were acceptable “as it would not unduly impact the character of the area or adversely impact visual amenity.” Council officers said the

property would remain as a single home so noise is not expected to increase while any impact on property prices in the area isn’t a planning consideration. As for complaints about the home

potentially becoming an AirBnB, officers said: “This planning application is solely for alterations and extensions to a single residential dwelling and no change of use is proposed. Article

continues below "Therefore, the assessment carried out only relates to the current use rather than any other potential future uses.” Councillors are being asked to approve the

application subject to a number of conditions being signed off. These relate to a number of issues including what materials can be used, glazing, and other steps to ensure privacy.