Agenda item

REFUSED

Description of application – Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of a part one/two storey building with accommodation in roofspace to provide 8 residential flats (5 no. two bedroom, 2 no. one bedroom and 1 no. three bedroom).Retained vehicular access with front boundary wall; Formation of car parking area at front comprising 6 no. car parking spaces; Refuse and recycling and cycle storage with hard and soft landscaping across the site, including boundary enclosures to side and rear.

Oral representations in objection to the application were received.  Oral representations from Ward Member, Councillor Kira Gabbert in objection to the application were received at the meeting and she spoke on behalf of her fellow Ward Members.

Whilst Councillor Gabbert appreciated the need for housing she described the neighbourhood of single residential dwellings that benefitted from the finest Church in the Borough, St George’s Church. She considered the proposed development to be an inappropriate, cramped and overbearing development in the Area of Special Character, out of character with the surrounding area and eight dwellings would set a precedent and her preference was for a reduced number of flats that offered affordable ownership and she objected to the application.

The Vice Chairman agreed with Councillor Gabbert and said that six parking spaces would be insufficient on Bickley Park Road.

Councillor Fawthrop’s view was that the proposed development was not in keeping with the surrounding area and family houses would be more appropriate.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED, against officers recommendation for the following reason:-

1. The proposal, by reason of its design and scale would constitute overdevelopment and loss of family housing in Bickley Park Area of Special Residential Character, out of character and out of keeping with its surrounding area, contrary to Policies 4, 37 and 44  and Section 3 guidelines for ASRC in the Bromley Local Plan.