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V28-198 : W8279/11 - 26 ELM TREE ROAD WEST, LOWESTOFT

Outline application for construction of one dwelling.

The report of the Head of Planning advised that two letters of objection had been received expressing concerns about detrimental impact on houses in the area, unacceptable backland and infill development, dangerous access, being out of keeping, loss of trees and mature hedging and creation of additional traffic volume. Two previous applications in 1986 had been refused on grounds of over-development, being out of character with the low density neighbourhood and intrusion into the privacy of adjacent property.

The application site related to part of the front/side garden of 26 Elm Tree Road West. This area was characterised by large properties set in large gardens and had the appearance of a low density area. The front of this property was screened with a mature hedge with trees and hedge running along the west boundary. The site was a triangular shape measuring approximately 29 metres on the frontage.

This was an outline application for the construction of a bungalow with a detached garage. The bungalow would be sited about 18 metres from the front of number 26 Elm Tree Road West and would have direct access from the road, resulting in the loss of part of the green frontage. The applicant would agree to a branch off his own driveway should this be preferable to a new access. This application needed to be assessed in accordance with policies H10 and H11 of the Waveney Local Plan relating to Backland and Infill Development.

The Head of Planning felt that the development of a building in front of the building line of the original property and the immediate neighbours would be out of character within the streetscene, especially with the removal of part of the front hedge. This was a low density area and a dwelling situated so far in front of the adjacent houses, including 26 Elm Tree Road West would be out of character and set an unacceptable precedent for future requests. A dwelling in this location would also be detrimental to the amenities and privacy of the existing and adjacent residential properties. The proposal would therefore be contrary to the aims and objectives of Policies H10 and H11 of the Waveney Local Plan, and the Head of Planning recommended refusal.

Before commencement of the debate Councillor Hinton declared that she had received letters and telephone calls from the applicant, and all members declared receipt of a letter.

Members felt that there was no set building line in this area, which had low traffic usage, and there was a substantial boundary hedge. It would not be backland development as such, as the site was in a front garden, and the Council was encouraged to build on infill plots. The existing access would be wide enough to take an offshoot to the new property, and for these reasons members wished to visit the site before deciding the application.

RESOLVED

That a site visit be held at the location of application W8279/11.


Volume 28 Minute 198

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