Two detached dwellings at 1 Avon Run Close, Christchurch

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing dwelling and building two detached dwellings with access and parking.

“Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two detached dwellings with associated access and parking.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application to create a bungalow plot was refused, while a later tree application received a split decision.

“8/85/0197/P Severance of curtilage to form building plot for 1 bungalow and private garage with vehicular access onto Robins Way (via approved Capesthorne redevelopment access layout) – Refused…”

“P/25/02551/TTPO T1 - Holm Oak – Section fell to ground level. There is no scope for replant in this location as heavily suppressed by adjacent mature English oak tree. T2 - Holm Oak – Section fell to ground level. There is no scope for replant in this location as heavily suppressed by adjacent mature English oak tree. Split Decision – refuse fell of T2 and approved fell of T2”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission, finding the design, density, neighbour impact, highways, trees, ecology and protected-site effects acceptable with conditions.

“The density of the site is presently lower than most properties in the cul-de-sac. The subdivision of the plot will increase the density of the development; however, both dwellings would have amenity space and would not appear cramped in the plot. The proposed development is not considered to constitute overdevelopment.”

“Taking into account the above, the proposal is considered to not have a significant harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area. As such the proposal complies with the requirements of Policy HE2 Design of New Development and Policy LN2 Design, Layout and Density of New Housing Development of the Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan (2014), saved Policy H12 – Residential Infill, saved Policy ENV9 – Development in the Coastal Zone and saved Policy ENV21 –…”

Officer report

Consultants’ views

Council consultees raised no objections, subject to conditions covering biodiversity, highways, trees and landscaping.

“BCP Ecology 03/03/2026 – No objections subject to conditions to enhance biodiversity.”

“BCP Trees & Landscaping 25/03/2026 – No objections subject to conditions…”

Officer report

What residents said

The council received 18 objections, one supporting comment and one general comment, with objections focused on amenity, scale, design, privacy and ecology.

“The Council has received 18 objections, 1 comment in support, and 1 making general comments. The concerns raised are summarised below: • Concerns regarding the impact on neighbouring amenity - overlooking • Concerns that additional windows will be added at a later date • Overbearing Development • Concerns regarding modern design not suiting area • Excessive height, scale and massing • Reliance on tree screening is unrealistic and unreliable – can’t be relied on as…”

“Harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area. • Covenant restricting the height of future development (officer note – covenants sit outside of the planning process, but a planning permission does not override any restrictions set by covenants) • Dominate the street scene • Impact on sunlight to neighbours • Impact on property values (officer note – this is not a material planning consideration) • Large glazing on the buildings will have an impact on privacy…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, the applicant’s representative and an objecting ward councillor spoke at the meeting.

The committee’s decision

The committee voted five to four to grant permission, adding conditions on balcony glazing and boundary treatment to protect residential amenity and footpath users.

“RESOLVED to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officer’s report as updated by the committee addendum dated 15.4.26 and subject to power being delegated to the Head of Planning Operations to determine the final wording of the following additional conditions to protect residential amenity and safety of footpath for users:”

“The 1.2m high balustrade glazing to units 1 & 2 is to be frosted/ obscure glazed • The outer edges (SW & NE) to the balcony to unit 2 are to be a minimum of 1.8m high and frosted/obscure glazed. • Boundary treatment, to include the section adjacent to the public footpath to be no taller than 1.5 metres high…”

Minutes