Two residential flats at 57 Highland Road, Bexleyheath

What was proposed

The application proposed extensions, roof conversion and a dormer to create an additional residential unit, forming two flats.

“SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Erection of part one/part two storey rear extension, front porch extension, conversion of roof space including rear dormer extension and rooflights to front roof slope to provide additional residential unit.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey end-of-terrace home in Highland Road, outside the Green Belt and designated heritage areas.

“The application site is a two-storey end of terrace property located towards the middle of Highland Road, on the west side of the road. The proposal site is not within the Metropolitan Green Belt, Conservation Area nor is it a statutorily or locally listed building.”

“- Borough Wide Article 4 Direction 2017 (Part 3 Of 5) - Primarily Residential Area - Sustainable Development Location…”

Officer report

How the proposal would work

The scheme would provide two flats, divided gardens, cycle storage, one parking space and an enclosed bin store.

“The building will be converted into two flats. The ground floor flat will have two bedrooms, an open plan living/kitchen/dining area, bathroom, hall and storage space. The upper floor flat will have a bedroom within the roof space and a kitchen, lounge/dining room, bathroom, landing and storage space at first floor level.”

“The rear garden will be subdivided to provide a private garden for each unit, with each provided with cycle storage facilities. The parking layout would retain one existing off- street parking space within the front curtilage of the property with bins for external waste storage also located within the front curtilage in an enclosed bin store.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered acceptable in design, amenity, accommodation, highways and waste terms.

“The key issues to consider include: Design, impact on the character and appearance of the area, impact on neighbouring amenity, quality of accommodation, impact on highways and provisions for waste and recycling.”

“For the reasons set out in the report, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in relation to its design, impact on character and appearance of the area and neighbouring amenity, quality of accommodation, impact on highways and provisions for waste and recycling. Overall, the proposal is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Development Plan, when read as a whole.”

Officer report

What residents said

Seven households objected, citing overdevelopment, design, parking, loss of light and privacy, living conditions and construction impacts.

“Seven objections have been received from seven households. In summary the following objections have been raised.”

“Overdevelopment of the site, increased density and an intensive form of development ➢ The scale and design being out of character with Highland Road and the surrounding area ➢ Increased pressure on parking provision ➢ Loss of light, loss of privacy and overlooking to neighbouring properties and gardens ➢ Insufficient information to demonstrate acceptable living conditions for the proposed units ➢ Potential impacts from construction works, including structural damage to…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from an objector and the applicant, who spoke in support of the application.

The committee discussion

Members discussed the application, considered the speakers’ comments and observations, and noted the report and Addendum.

“The Committee discussed the application, considered all observations, points and comments made by the speakers and noted the report and the Addendum item for this application.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted by 7 to 2 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation, as amended by the Addendum.

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 7/2 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them and as amended by the Addendum.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the proposal; officers said it would bring the dwelling back into use and provide one additional home without unacceptable impacts.

“The proposal would bring an existing dwelling back into use and provide a net gain of one residential unit, making effective use of a small site within a Sustainable Development Location. It is acknowledged that the proposal may result in some changes between the existing dwelling and neighbouring properties, however these impacts have been assessed and are not considered to result in unacceptable impacts to warrant refusal.”

“That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the following conditions:”

Officer report

Approval conditions

Conditions cover approved plans, matching materials, refuse and cycle storage, parking management, parking permits and privacy protection.

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun within 3 years from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004). 2.”

“Reason: In order to provide adequate refuse storage facilities and in the interests of the visual amenities of the area.Prior to the first occupation of the development, details of secure cycle parking arrangements for two cycles for each dwelling shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved arrangements shall be completed prior to first occupation and shall be permanently maintained thereafter.”

Officer report