Three-storey self-build house at 89 Queens Road, Loughton

The site and its history

The site contains an extended detached house on a sloping rectangular plot, and an earlier dwelling application was refused.

“The application site is rectangular in shape and covers 857 sq.m. It contains a detached house which has extended. The plot has width which is approximately double that of neighbouring properties. The land on the site slopes downwards in both a south easterly and south westerly direction.”

“Reference Description Decision EPF/1270/75 Erection of first floor side extension over double garage. Approved EPF/0706/24 Demolition of 2 storey side extension and construction of a single dwelling to the land to the west of 89 Queens Road Refused…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the revised design acceptable, with adequate parking and amenity space, no technical objections, and conservation mitigation secured through contributions and conditions.

“Adequate parking and amenity space are provided, and no technical objections have been raised. The required financial contributions will be secured to mitigate any impact on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation.”

“Overall, the proposal is considered acceptable in design, scale, and principle, and is recommended for approval subject to a Section 106 agreement and planning conditions.”

Officer report

Objections and consultation

The town council and an objector said the dwelling would harm the street scene, neighbour amenity, privacy, amenity space and biodiversity, while the agent disputed those concerns.

“Agent’s response (summarised): The objection’s claims about Queens Road’s uniform character are strongly disputed. The response argues that the street features a wide variety of buildings in different styles, ages, and sizes, lacking any consistent architectural rhythm or spacing. The proposed dwelling’s height, width, and style are said to align with neighbouring properties (Nos. 85 and 89), making it acceptable in context.”

“TOWN COUNCIL: The Committee OBJECTED to this application. Members noted the change of design; however, they considered it failed to address its previous objections to planning application EPF/0706/24, min no PL16.1, submitted for this site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from an objector, a town councillor, the agent and a ward councillor.

The committee’s discussion

Members discussed the planning merits of the application.

“The Committee then discussed the planning merits of the application. The Committee then voted for the Officer’s recommendation to approve the application.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Members voted for the officer’s recommendation and approved the application.

“The Committee then APPROVED the application.”

Minutes

Requirements for approval

Approval was recommended subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and planning conditions.

“It is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and the imposition of appropriate planning conditions.”

Officer report