Agenda item

Three storey detached building comprising  6, two-bedroom flats with associated parking and amenity space and installation of 2, vehicular crossovers, involving demolition of existing detached garage.

Recommendation: Refusal

Three storey detached building comprising 6, two-bedroom flats with associated parking and amenity space and installation of 2 vehicular crossovers, involving demolition of existing detached garage and erection of a replacement garage.

66134/APP/2011/294

This application seeked permission for a three storey block comprising of 6 two-bedroom flats and a replacement garage on rear garden land accessed from Ashurst Close.

The proposal would have involved the loss of garden land, a number of trees and landscaping which contributed to the character and appearance of the surrounding area. Part of which was within the Old Northwood Area of Special Local Character. The proposed block would have failed to sit comfortably on its plot, would of had an excessive density and appeared unduly cramped and bulky. Its modern design would not have harmonised with the architectural quality of the surrounding buildings.

Furthermore, the proposal would not have provided adequate off-street parking and no contributions had been offered at this stage towards additional education facilities.

Had an appeal not been lodged against non-determination, the application would have been refused for the above reasons.

In accordance with the Council’s constitution a representative of the petition received in objection to the proposal was invited to address the meeting.

Points raised by the petitioner:

• Mr Sabel spoke on behalf of the petitioners who signed the petition objecting to the application.
• The petitioner spoke about the officer’s report and that it strongly recommended refusal of the application.
• They were objecting to the level of development proposed, this area was too small for the level of development
• Most of the residents who signed the petition lived in Ashurst Close and close to the proposed development.
• The area was a densely populated area which lacked a central park.
• It was a small attractive area which was mainly occupied by elderly residents.
• Contract gardeners were employed to ensure the area was well maintained.
• The petitioners agreed with the reports comments regarding trees and that it formed a critical attractive boundary.
• There was a tree preservation order and if the application was approved it would nullify the order, and the height of the building would exceed the trees.
• The proposal would result in driving hazards. The entrance to the proposed garages would be hazardous.
• There would be a lack of parking space. The plans allowed provision for 6 spaces but the petitioners felt there would be an additional 12 spaces that would be required.
• It was already a congested road and more cars would increase this congestion.
• The reputation of Northwood as an attractive area would be at risk if this application was approved.

The agent was not present at the meeting.

Members agreed that PPS3 was designed for this kind of application. They agreed with petitioners that this application was being shoe-horned into a space that was too small.

The recommendation for refusal was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was unanimously agreed.

Resolved –

That had an appeal for non-determination not been lodged, the application would have been refused for the reasons set out in the officer’s report.