Four apartments with parking at Garage Site To The West Of 283 Alfreton Road, Blackwell

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing six concrete garages and building four one-bedroom apartments with parking, amenity areas, landscaping and solar panels.

“SUMMARY This is a full planning application for the demolition of six prefabricated, concrete panel garages to allow for the erection of four apartments with associated parking and amenity spaces. Each apartment will contain a bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen. Amenity and parking spaces are proposed to the front and rear of the proposed building.”

“Two parking spaces are proposed to the front of the building and a further four towards the rear which are accessed via a driveway to the side of the building. Amenity spaces are proposed to the front and rear along with sections of hard and soft landscaping throughout, including hedgerow planting towards the western border.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a hardstanding garage area within Blackwell’s development envelope, surrounded mainly by homes and adjoining an important open break.

“SITE & SURROUNDINGS The application site is situated within the development envelope of Blackwell and to the north, east and south of the site are a number of residential properties, while to the west is an area designated as an important open break.”

“The application site is predominantly hardstanding, bound by a mix of timber and concrete fences, serving the surrounding residential properties. Towards the south-western boundary of the site are six, prefabricated, concrete garages containing up-and-over doors.”

Officer report

Earlier consideration

The application was deferred after an earlier committee meeting so the building scale and parking could be amended.

“BACKGROUND This application was considered by Planning Committee members at the October meeting, and it was determined that the decision would be deferred pending amendments to the scale of the building and the available parking provision.”

“Given the small alterations to the proposal, Members will note this report is largely the same as the initial recommendation report. There has been a significantly lower number of representations received during the latest public consultation, but the objections first received have still been considered in the assessment of the revised scheme.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection subject to conditions, while the parish council and wildlife consultees identified concerns about access, drainage, wildlife and biodiversity credits.

“Blackwell Parish Council • 13/05/2025: Have the following objections: - Current drainage infrastructure is struggling. - Social infrastructure: problems getting doctor’s appointments. - Highways: concerns over safe access. - Environmental concerns: loss of wildlife. - Flood: hardstanding and surface water could present issues when raining. - Additional concerns: one bed apartments not in keeping with setting, loss of privacy and light, removal of public footpath.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents objected on grounds including overdevelopment, appearance, privacy, loss of trees, highway safety, parking, drainage, construction effects and biodiversity.

“Biodiversity • Loss of trees and natural screening. • Reduced separation between properties and the countryside. • Disturbance to natural habitats of animals. • Tree works conducted prior to the application being submitted. • Difficult to see where the shrubs, trees and hedgerows are to be placed.”

“Other Matters • Land ownership dispute / neighbouring fencing has been in situ for 25 years. • Development sets a precedent for future overdevelopment. • No formal highways report provided to demonstrate it meets safety standards. • Lack of clarity on occupancy. • Rainwater / drainage concerns. • Lack of meaningful community consultation by developer. • Sewage and drainage concerns. • Detrimental effects of prolonged construction.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in favour of the application, and a question was asked about the site boundary.

The committee vote

The application was moved and seconded for approval, with eight members voting in favour and none against.

“Moved by Councillor Tom Munro and seconded by Councillor Rob Hiney-Saunders RESOLVED that application no. 25/00184/FUL be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes