The shop owner is still waiting for the green light to demolish the wall 16 months after it was removed

Applicant Simon Bagri, of UK Wide Real Estate, sought “retrospective” permission from Sandwell Council for work already carried out at the former Hateley Heath Post Office and McColl’s store in Jowetts Lane in West Bromwich.

The work, which was already carried out last March, includes the replacement of a boundary wall on Lynton Avenue, the demolition of an external rear wall, a single-storey rear extension and a higher roof.

A decision was twice delayed by councillors, with a site visit finally taking place six months ago. A decision was further delayed when it was discovered during the site visit in January that the drawings in the application did not match what had been built so far. This led to further delay while the plans were redrawn.

In its latest report, the council said it had “noted” residents’ concerns that parking was congested in Lynton Avenue.

It stated: “However, double yellow lines are evident at the junction at Jowetts Lane which should prohibit parking where it is considered unsafe,” the council added. “This can be monitored by parking attendants if abused.

“Furthermore, given the moderate floor area size of the original retail premises, it would not justify additional off-road parking to serve it and no objections to this have been raised by the motorway service.”

The council said lifting the existing roof and creating a single roof would remove the “patchy” roof and improve the street’s appearance.

Councilors will meet on July 24 to discuss the application after officers recommended the permit be granted.