Fence and garden shed at 54 Uplands Road, Saltford

“REPORT The application refers to 54 Uplands Road, a single storey dwelling, in Saltford. The property is located on a road with a range of dwelling styles and is not within a Conservation Area.”

“Planning permission is sought for the erection of a boundary fence and outbuilding in the front garden of the property. The application is retrospective, however some alterations to the fencing have been proposed through this planning application.”

“08/00667/FUL PERMIT - Erection of a front porch.”

“07/01063/FUL PERMIT - Erection of a single storey side extension and new dormers.”

“The fencing provides adequate screening of the shed from views from Uplands Road, mitigating the visual impact of the shed on the local area. It is important that the development, including the shed and fence is considered as one, and officers intend to secure the retention of the fencing in perpetuity via condition, if the application is approved.”

“The comments from Saltford Parish Council in this regard are noted, however given the orientation of the plot and the small area of land that lies to the rear of the principal elevation of the dwelling, there are limited options in terms of siting a shed to have a lesser visual impact and even less areas where a shed could be considered permitted development. It is therefore reasonable that a shed would be sited in this location and this is not unduly harmful in the context.”

“The use of a tall fence, in this case using feather-edge fence boards, looks incongruous compared to neighbouring properties and reduces the openness of the street scene at this location. The fence's overbearing effect on the street scene might be mitigated if a more open, lattice style, fence or iron railings is used as in other parts of Saltford's housing area. In this particular case, the high fence also blocks the view for vehicles exiting the neighbouring property, No.”

“The new shed on this plot, where much of the front garden has been paved as a hard- standing for vehicles and the rear garden is very compact in size, appears to result in an over-development of the site.”

“The application was publicised through the use of neighbour notification letters for a period of 21 days and no letters of representation were received.”

“Chair referral - Following the objection from the Parish Council, against the Officer's recommendation, the application was referred to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Planning Committee. The Chair and Vice Chair both reviewed the report and recommended that the application be reviewed and determined by the Planning Committee. Their comments are below:”

“Within 6 months of the date of this decision, the existing fencing shall be amended and the fence top trelis installed, in accordance with the approved plans.”

“The fencing hereby approved, shall be retained whilst the shed hereby approved is in situ. In the event that the shed is removed, then the fencing can also be removed.”