One rear dwelling at 3 Merston Close, Brighton

“The application site is a residential plot occupied by a semi-detached two-storey dwelling at the end of the Merston Close cul-de-sac. The original building has been enlarged with a loft conversion and a single storey rear extension.”

“Merston Close contains five pairs of semidetached dwellings, within a large residential area at the southern end of Woodingdean, on the edge of the South Downs National Park. The site lies within a groundwater source protection zone but is not subject to any designations or protections. The topography of the land slopes gently up from southwest to northeast across the site, so the neighbouring dwellings on Cowley Drive sit on slightly higher land.”

“BH2024/01631 Demolition of side extension, porch and garage to existing dwelling and erection of 3no new dwellinghouses (C3) to rear with carport and associated landscaping. Refused “1. The number of proposed dwellings would result in an overdevelopment of the site and creation of a density significantly greater than that of the local built environment. This would result in a cramped form of development that would erode the spacious character of the area.”

“The upper floor windows of the proposed dwellings would offer harmfully intrusive views into the rear windows of nos.3 and 4 Merston Close, and the rear gardens of nos.57-61 (odds) Cowley Drive, significantly reducing the privacy enjoyed by occupants and detrimentally impacting on the desirability of the gardens as private amenity spaces.”

“Planning Urban Design Officer No Objection subject to condition The proposal is acceptable in principle. Further information should be provided with regards to landscaping/planting, and some changes are recommended with regards to material specifications, but these can be secured by condition.”

“Sustainable Drainage Team No Objection subject to condition No objection in principle, but further information should be secured by condition, including: • Correspondence from Southern Water demonstrating that their public sewers can receive the anticipated peak discharge rate • Confirmation of the existing foul drainage layout • Evidence that the existing and proposed sewer infrastructure is suitably sized for the anticipated peak discharge rate • A full drainage…”

“Eight (8) representations have been received, objecting to the proposal on the following grounds: • Disruption during the building process • Unsuitable site access for emergency vehicles and waste collection • Increased highway safety risks, and noise, from additional traffic • Loss of pre-existing habitat in garden • Disruption to the tenanted annex at no.2 Merston Close • Light pollution to gardens • Lack of consultation • Electric vehicle charging points will not be…”

“This application was not called for discussion. The officer recommendation was therefore taken as having been agreed unanimously.”

“That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out below and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the following Conditions and Informatives:”

“Conditions: 1. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the approved drawings listed below. Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.”