Five-bedroom detached dwelling at Jakobstad 13 Meadway, Berkhamsted

“Erection of a detached 5-bedroom dwelling to the rear of No 13 Meadway Berkhamsted. The proposed development is accessed via an existing 4-meter-wide driveway running between Nos. 13 and 15 Meadway. To make way for the dwelling several small structurers will be removed.”

“The application site is located within the rear garden of No. Meadway (Jakobstad), in the urban area of Berkhamsted, a designated market town in the Dacorum Borough.”

“Meadway is a private road characterised by large, detached dwellings set within generous, mature plots, contributing to a low-density, leafy residential environment. The surrounding area features varied architectural styles.”

“- Appeal ref: APP/A1910/A/06/2019729 – Dismissed on 21/09/2006: The Planning Inspector supported the principle of backland development on the site and confirmed that the proposed access and general layout could be made acceptable. However, the appeal was dismissed solely due to the insufficient rear garden depth for Plot 2, which was deemed to conflict with the area's established character.”

“4/00772/07/FUL – Approved in 2007: This revised application responded directly to the previous appeal decision by repositioning the dwellings and increasing the rear garden depth for Plot 2. The approval effectively established the principle of backland development on the site, subject to the provision of adequate private amenity space and improved spatial layout.”

“The committee had no objection to the principle of the proposal, particularly given the positive pre-application advice. It had concerns about the orientation of the dwelling and its location having an adverse impact on the neighbouring properties. Its plot size is out of keeping with the surrounding plot sizes.”

“Environmental And Community Protection (DBC) With reference to the above planning application, please be advised the Environmental Health Pollution Team have no objections or concerns re noise, odour or air quality.”

“Response to Neighbour Comments 9.73 Twenty local residents have raised objection to the scheme, raising concerns on the following grounds: • Overdevelopment and Plot Size: The proposed plot is too small, only meeting the one-third acre requirement by including a narrow driveway, contravening BCA7 Supplementary Planning Guidance (8 dwellings/ha) and a 1935 covenant mandating plots of at least one-third acre.”

“11A, 15 Meadway, and Ivy House Lane • Loss of Light and Visual Intrusion: The two-storey structure’s height and proximity to boundaries may cause light loss and visual intrusion, particularly for Ivymead and Morninghill, exacerbated by its elevated position and large windows • Access and Safety Concerns: The narrow 4-meter driveway, exiting near the Meadway roundabout, is inadequate for construction vehicles, posing safety risks for pedestrians and drivers due to limited…”

“It was proposed by Councillor Hobson and seconded by Councillor Bromham to DELEGATE with a view to APPROVAL.”

“Resolved: That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL.”

“RECOMMENDATION That planning permission be DELEGATED with a view to APPROVAL subject to the completion of an appropriate assessment in accordance with article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive and securing a mitigation package to mitigate any adverse effects on the integrity of the CBSAC through financial contributions secured by legal agreement. Condition(s) and Reason(s):”