Agenda item

Ward

Ashford Common

Proposal

Proposed redevelopment of site for the erection of 5 no residential units, following demolition of existing buildings.

Officer Recommendation

The application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.

Description:

Proposed redevelopment of the site for the erection of 5 no. residential units, following the demolition of existing buildings.

Additional Information:

Prior to occupation of the units the proposed first floor windows in the flank elevations of all dwellings, including the northern side facing element of the proposed bay window of plot 3, shall be obscure glazed and non-opening to a minimum of 1.7m above internal floor level. Details of gazing to be installed shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. These windows will thereafter be permanently retained as installed.

Reason

To safeguard the amenity of neighbouring residential properties in accordance with policies SP6 and EN1 of the Spelthorne Borough Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document 2009.

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, the Committee Manager read out a statement against the proposed development on behalf of Mrs Fowler raising the following key points:

·         This is overdevelopment of the plot

·         Neighbouring properties will lose privacy

·         The proposed properties will be visible from Dingle Road

·         There will be an increased lack of security

·         Proposed properties too close to boundaries of neighbouring properties

·         Removal of current trees contradicts Spelthorne’s ‘Greener Future’

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, David Wetherill, agent for the applicant spoke for the proposed development raising the following key points:

·         The site is in a highly sustainable urban location

·         The development delivers much needed housing

·         The development meets the three objectives of sustainable development, economic, social and environmental

·         No specific policies within the NPPF which indicate that the development should be restricted

·         Proposal paid due regard to the design, scale and character of the area

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Councillor R. Noble spoke as Ward Councillor against the proposed development raising the following key points:

·         Previous planning application was for 7 houses but reducing it to 5 does not change the issue of where they are to be built

·         Lack of housing land supply is not the fault of Dingle Road residents, this lies with Spelthorne BC

·         The development does not create a satisfactory relationship with the surrounding dwellings

·         The amenity of the adjoining properties is harmed

·         Loss of privacy to properties in Dingle Road

·         First floor windows of proposed dwellings on Plots 3 & 4 overlook the gardens of the properties on Dingle Road

·         This development is in contravention of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act

·         Plots 3 & 4 abut the wall of Dingle Road properties

·         The proposed layout of the development creates an overbearing site

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

·         The site is brownfield and has previously been developed

·         Adequate parking provision proposed

·         Site is accessible to shops and transport links

·         Concerns over loss of privacy for neighbouring properties

·         Amenity space is acceptable

·         Houses are not in keeping with surrounding properties

·         Properties will be bought by Buy to Let Landlords

·         Householders would have to take their wheelie bins down to the kerbside of Feltham Hill Road

·         The site will be overdeveloped

·         Buildings comply with Building Regulations

Decision:

The application was REFUSED for the following reason:

The proposed development would, by reason of the layout of the dwellings, be out of character with the surrounding development, contrary to Policy EN1(a) of the Core Strategy and Policies DPD, 2009.