Three-bedroom chalet bungalow at Land Adj To 2A Borough Road, Gillingham

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing an existing outbuilding and building a three-bedroom chalet bungalow with parking, hardstanding and landscaping.

“Proposal: Construction of 3-bedroom chalet bungalow with off street parking and associated hard standing and associated landscaping.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals included refused flats, withdrawn flats and a withdrawn three-bedroom bungalow application.

“MC/24/1414 Construction of 6 one-bedroom flats and the provision of pedestrian accesses to the proposed development and No 156 Nelson Road - demolition of detached outbuilding resubmission of MC/20/2452 Decision: Withdrawn by Applicant Decided: 18.11.2024”

“MC/25/1666 Construction of 3-bedroom bungalow Decision: Withdrawn by Applicant Decided: 02.10.2025”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the smaller scheme well designed, suitable for the site, acceptable for neighbours and future occupants, and able to provide two parking spaces.

“Paragraph 135f of the NPPF requires that development functions well over its lifetime and provides a high standard of amenity for future occupiers and neighbours, which is reflected in the requirements of Policy BNE2 of the Local Plan; to protect the amenities of neighbours in terms of privacy, daylight, sunlight, noise, vibration, heat, smell, airborne emissions.”

“When assessed against the Council’s Residential Parking Standards (2010), a three-bedroom dwelling would be required to provide a total of two parking spaces. The proposal includes a new vehicular access and a driveway/parking area that can accommodate 2 parking spaces, thereby meeting the Councils standards.”

Officer report

Ecology and other responses

One objection raised garden, character, tree and biodiversity concerns, while biodiversity and water authorities recommended mitigation or safeguards.

“Loss of rear garden space Out of character infill development Loss of trees and impacts upon biodiversity…”

“The application site falls within 6km zone of influence of Medway Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area and its associated Wetland(s) of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar Site) and a SAMMS payment is required. The submitted bat survey confirms the existing outbuilding has negligible suitability for roosting bats, although precautionary mitigation measures during demolition are recommended.”

Officer report

Concerns from residents

The ward councillor reported concerns about garden loss, surface water, tree removal, the street scene, parking and pressure from nearby care facilities.

“Concerns were raised by residents that a 3-bedroom dwelling was being constructed within the rear garden of an existing terrace property. It was considered the plot would have insufficient open space for future occupants and noted that the loss of garden space would be permanent. • Residents of 156 Nelson Road currently benefited from access to that open space, which would be lost as a result of the development.”

“This record is available on our website – www.medway.gov.uk • Reports that a large tree had already been removed from the garden, allegedly without permission, in preparation for the proposed development. • The removal of an existing brick wall was said to have had a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the street scene. • Objections were raised in relation to parking.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The senior planner outlined the application, and the ward councillor addressed the committee with residents’ concerns.

Committee discussion

The senior planner confirmed that minimum garden standards were met and that the neighbouring property had been subdivided without rear garden space.

“The Senior Planner confirmed that the proposal met the minimum garden size standards and that 158 Nelson Road had been subsequently sold, subdivided into two flats with no rear garden.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application with conditions 1 to 16 for the reasons stated in the report.

“Approved with conditions 1 to 16 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report.”

Minutes