Agenda item

(21/05069/FULL1) - 18 Longdon Wood, Keston, BR2 6EW

Decision:

REFUSED

Minutes:

Description of Application: Demolition of existing detached dwelling and erection of replacement two storey detached dwelling with integral double garage and single storey rear swimming pool projection.

 

The Head of Development Management introduced the report and he informed Members that the proposal would be for a bungalow and would include accommodation for a roof space. It was noted that the application sat within the  Keston Park Conservation Area. As it was planned to incorporate a swimming pool, this meant that there was a significant increase in the width of the overall footprint. The accommodation would also be over three floors. 

 

The application had been recommended for Refusal because of the likelihood of harm caused to the character and appearance of the Keston Park Conservation Area. 

 

Oral representations in support of the application were received at the meeting. 

 

Oral representations were received from Ward Councillor Alexa Michael. 

 

Councillor Michael expressed the view that the current dwelling made a neutral contribution to the street. The nature of Keston Park (including Longdon Wood) had  changed dramatically in recent years and was now characterised by large mansion style housing in a variety of styles.

 

She expressed the view that the time to worry about the cumulative impact on the Conservation Area would have been years ago. She felt that it was now the case that it was the small houses and the bungalows that looked out of place. Councillor Michael stated that the current plot was a large plot which had been originally intended for two houses so there was much space for development. The three metre side space would be retained. The applicant was proposing a Neo-Georgian style for the design of the house, and Georgian houses were generally regarded as being attractive and well laid out. Admittedly this would be a bulkier dwelling than the existing one.

 

Councillor Michael expressed the view that the applicant had made efforts to reduce the bulk. She stated that there were similar developments already existing in Longdon Wood. She further expressed the view that the application would not result in any loss of amenity to neighbouring houses. Councillor Michael pointed out that there had been no objections from local residents to the proposal. Councillor Michael concluded by saying that she was sympathetically disposed to the application.

 

Councillor Dean moved that the application be approved and this was seconded by Councillor Brock.

 

Councillor Turner disagreed with this and moved that the application be refused. He expressed the view that just because the conservation area had to some extent suffered, that did not mean that Members should make matters worse by approving the application. He therefore moved that the application be refused in accordance with the recommendation from officers. Councillor Scoates seconded Councillor Turner's motion for refusal.

 

A vote was taken and the application was refused by 5 votes to 4.

 

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED the permission be REFUSED as recommended for the reasons set out in the report of the Assistant Director of planning and the following:  

 

 

Informative:

 

  The Applicant is advised that they may wish to consider submitting a reduced/downsized design and more sympathetic to the Arts and Crafts style.

 

Supporting documents: