Petition to Reject the Planning Reference:
78323/APP/2024/968
Proposal – Erection of 2 No. semi-detached dwellings with
associated works, parking and amenity space, following the
demolition of existing bungalow
Site – 140 Linden Avenue, Ruislip, HA4 8UB
Key objections against the planning application;
• The loft dormer extensions 140 - 142 Linden Avenue
• The roof height and shape/style
• The proposed basement in 140 Linden Avenue
• The ground floor rear extension distance in 140
• Two semi detached houses when the street only has detached
houses
• The size of the structure is imposing and not in keeping
with the street scene
• Loss of privacy, Loss of day light, outlook, extensive
overshadowing for the proposed properties and the neighbouring
properties
The following is a summary of the reasons for the objection to
this speculative proposal for two semidetached dwellings at 140
linden Avenue;
1.Impact on neighbourhood:
The proposed development will not retain with the character of our
neighbourhood. Currently, all houses on the private road are
detached, which contributes to a cohesive and uniform
appearance.
2. Overdevelopment due to the overbearing & dominating size
of the structure.
The existing bungalow and garages cover 69 sqm, whereas the
proposed development will cover 285 sqm. This represents a dramatic
increase in building mass, approximately three times the size of
the original property.
The significant overdevelopment through the introduction of two 3 & 4 story semi-detached houses. With the main issue being around the basement and loft conversions. Such a significant increase in size comprises a cramped form of development that will be detrimental to the overall street scene and appearance of the area and violates several key council policies.
3. Overshadowing due to building height and size:
The proposed for 140 and 142 roofline exceeds the height of
existing property on the plot and other dwellings in the same line.
This will overshadow and overlook all properties around the
building leading to loss of privacy.
The properties recently built at 138 and 138a have lower, flat-
top rooflines to maintain the neighbourhood's character. During the
planning application for 138 and 138A in 2014 a height restriction
was placed on the houses roofs to ensure they did not impose on the
neighbours’ residences and disrupt privacy or lighting. The
same rule should apply to the 140 proposed development.
They also took into consideration the previous dwelling was a
bungalow and maintained the low roof like structures.
4. Loss of day light, outlook, extensive overshadowing:
In all plans submitted we cannot see any 25 degree or 45 degree
lines highlighting light angles on the plan. Neither has a rights
to light survey been submitted with the planning proposal to ensure
this proposal will not impact the neighbouring properties.
5. Impact on the road:
The road is a private road with access rights that restrict its
use.
The road is unable to handle large construction vehicles and the
road as it constructed from sand and pebbles. The members on the
road currently maintain to road and would face significant costs to
repair the damage caused.
The proposed construction presents significant parking and access issues as there is only one way to access the site 140 through the private road which has insufficient space for construction vehicles to park. These vehicles will obstruct resident access to the street and their homes.
The street lacks a footpath, and residents currently use the narrow road for as pedestrian access. Large construction vehicles are unable to turn without encroaching on the private driveways of other residents.
6. Plans and proposal notes submitted;
Excessive Back Extension: The single-story back extension on 140
Linden Avenue exceeds the current bungalow depth by 7 meters and
stands approximately 3 meters in height.
This will cause significant overshadowing and restrict views,
negatively impacting the rear living area of 138 Linden Avenue.
7. Protected Trees: Environmental and Policy
Considerations:
Impact on Protected Trees: The Civil Service Sports Ground
Eastcote, next to 140 Linden Avenue, has trees protected under TPO
327 Civil dated 24.11.1983.
These large trees’ roots would be directly impacted by the
foundations and structure of the proposed development. There has
been no submission of a tree survey considering the trees are
within close proximity to the development.
7.1. Overshadowing and Pruning Impact:
The proposed development’s first and second-floor windows
will be overshadowed by the branches of protected trees. This will
result in insufficient natural light for future residents.
Significant pruning would be necessary to address this issue,
potentially harming the trees future lifespan and disrupting local
wildlife habitats.
8. Lack of Consideration for Linden Avenue Residents;
On 10th -12th April the owner of 140 proceeded to chop down
multiple mature evergreen trees on the private road in front of 140
Linden Avenue were situated. The tree’s provided a soft and
natural environment to the street scene. No notification or consent
was requested from the local residents who share the road or from
the road owner. The tree’s removal highlights the
owner’s disregard for the environment in pursuit of
application approval.
9. Noise and Construction Impact
The proposed construction is expected to have significant noise and
disruption impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood. Given the
scale of the project, particularly the excavation of the basement,
local residents & the neighbouring preschool would be impacted
for prolonged periods of noise, dust, and general construction
disturbance.
Seeking professional consulting from construction firms the
following project timeframe was provided:
Excavating a basement measuring 8.7m in length, 5.6m in width, and
2.45m in height will require the removal of approximately 120 cubic
meters of soil. This process alone can take a few months, depending
on the machinery used and weather conditions, especially since the
works are scheduled to start in August, extending into the winter
months which can slow down the process.
Following excavation, constructing the basement structure, waterproofing, and integrating it into the house foundation can take an additional 2-3 months. The entire construction of the two semi-detached houses, including internal fittings and finishes, is likely to extend over 12 months.
Construction activities will generate significant noise, particularly during excavation and heavy machinery operation. This can impact the daily lives of residents, causing disturbances during early mornings and throughout the day.
10. Structural Impact on Nearby Foundations:
The basement construction so close to the boundary of neighbouring
properties, particularly one just 2 meters away, raises concerns
about the structural impact. Excavation can potentially undermine
the foundations of adjacent buildings, leading to structural
instability or damage.
11. Drainage Concerns:
The proposed application does not include a comprehensive drainage
plan and has opted to connect the two new house proposals to the
already inadequate drainage system. This system currently struggles
with surface water overflow during rains, exacerbating the risk of
flooding.
For developments that include a basement, it is mandatory to submit comprehensive drainage plan as part of the planning application however this has not been provided.
This plan must address how both surface water and groundwater
will be managed to prevent exacerbating the existing drainage
issues.
Specifically, a basement proposal should include:
• Details of waterproofing and water management
measures.
• Evidence of how groundwater will be managed.
• Plans showing how surface water runoff will be managed
to
This ePetition runs from 25/07/2024 to 23/08/2024.
6 people have signed this ePetition.