Agenda item

Conversion of existing dwelling to 2 x 2-beds unit with associated amenity space and parking

Recommendations: Refusal

RESOLVED: That the application be refused as per officer’s recommendation.

Conversion of existing dwelling to a 2x2 bed unit with associated amenity space and parking.

Officers introduced the report and made a recommendation for refusal. However, the agents had recently submitted a Highways Technical Note to rebut the second reason for refusal. The Highway Authority have reviewed the Note and accepted that the London Plan (2021) parking standards should be applied to the application. As London Plan (2021) parking standards are met, the Highways objection is withdrawn and the second reason for refusal is withdrawn. It was clarified that the proposal was to create a 2 bedroom in an existing extension to a house, leaving the existing dwelling as one three bed unit. There was a third bedroom in the roof of the existing dwelling.

A petitioner in objection of the application addressed the Committee and outlined the history of the application and property. Neighbours were shocked at the proposed plans. The development was already an eyesore and misshapen and there were no houses similar nearby. A number of semi detached had been extended but had been done so with consideration and sympathetically.  If this application was approved, it would allow others to do a similar harmful mess impacting the street scene with irregular shapes and sizes. Residents raised questions about the car park spaces and the number of cars used in the driveway. New resident street parking regulations were due on Highland Road which would dramatically reduce the availability of street parking. Concerns were raised regarding the parking near the property drive corner it would cause obstruction, endanger motorists and prevent access as it was such a busy road.  

The agent on behalf of the application addressed the Committee and highlighted that this scheme was acceptable in principle. It would optimise the site to deliver homes in a sustainable location with good transport links and it was supported by policies.  The units would be of a good quality design and contributed to housing needs in the Borough.  No external altercations had been proposed to the existing building and the street scene would not be affected. Delivering new housing would outweigh any harm. The plot shape was not uniform on Highland Road when looking at adjacent properties and no harm would arise as a result of the proposals. Highways objections had been removed given technical evidence provided by the applicant. The development would not affect the street scene, each unit would benefit a garden and the scheme provided a level of parking that complied with the standards. The Committee was urged to approve the scheme.

A written submission in objection to the proposal had been received from Ward Councillor Duncan Flynn. This was read out to the Committee. It was submitted that this application was an example of an attempt to squeeze an additional development into a location which has already limited space.  Highland Road already had considerable parking issues and giving a green light to this application would only exacerbate these issues.  The application would also fundamentally change the character of a classic inter-war suburban street scene which is typically of much of Northwood Hills and the surrounding area. 

The Committee noted that Highland Road was a busy road and there had been numerous accidents at the corner near the property. Members discussed parking arrangements and were mindful that the property would increase the number of cars on the street. The Committee considered that the insufficient carparking and increase pressure on public highway were both areas of concern.

Councillor Allan Kauffman left the room during the hearing of the item and did not take part in the vote.

The officer’s recommendation was moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED: That the application be refused as per officer’s recommendation.