Extension plan for Wolverhampton record company premises

Music business boss applies to build summer house at Grade II listed property

The founder and owner of a successful long-standing record label company in Wolverhampton has applied for permission to build a new summer house at his premises.

Paul Birch, who runs Revolver Records from his base at Goldthorn Hill, has submitted a planning application to build an oak-framed, glazed summer house attached to the rear of an existing outbuilding at the Grade II listed property.

Mr Birch, who is also a city councillor (Lab. Blakenhall), set up the independent record firm in 1979 and manages it alongside sister organisation Revolver World, a cooperative that imports and markets Faitrade-certified coffee.

The premises, which includes various outbuildings, is located on the corner of Goldthorn Hill and Upper Villiers Street and can be accessed from both roads.

In a report to the council, Planning Officer Alisha Paul said the development would not detract from the special architectural or historic interest of the listed dwelling house.

"The proposed development is for the extension of a curtilage listed building to the Grade II listed Hill Cottage. The outbuilding has previously been extended and is adjacent to an existing shed on the site.

"The proposed glazed and oak materials are sensitive and compliment the character and appearance of the existing buildings. The contrasting materials proposed create a clear break and help identify the original historic features from the new additions to the property," she added.

In addition, the report notes that although the proposed extension would be seen from Upper Villiers Street, it would not cause any detrimental impact to the street scene or the character of the local area.

"The development will not cause any adverse impacts to the character and setting of the listed building and buildings within its curtilage, the street scene, or the amenities of neighbouring properties," it states.

"The proposed extension has been sensitively designed to be subservient to the main dwelling and the proposed materials provide a contrast to the
historic character of the dwelling. The proposed development is in accordance with the policies of the development plan."

No objections have been made to the proposals. Wolverhampton Planning Committee will discuss the application on Tuesday (June 2).