Extension and semi-detached dwelling at 16 and 18 Castle Street, Chipping Ongar

What was proposed

The scheme would remove single-storey extensions, create a three-bedroom dwelling through a rear extension, and build a new two-bedroom semi-detached dwelling.

“& 18 Castle Street are a pair of semi-detached cottages located within the Chipping Ongar Conservation Area. They are not listed, nor within the Green Belt or a flood zone. Proposal The proposal is for the demolition of existing single storey extensions and construction of a two-storey rear extension to form a three-bedroom dwelling and construction of a new semi-detached two-bedroom dwelling. There is no net increase in the number of dwellings.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The two cottages are in the Chipping Ongar Conservation Area and the setting of a listed building and scheduled ancient monument.

“This application is before this Committee since the recommendation is contrary to at least five 5 objections received on grounds material to the planning merits of the proposal (Pursuant to The Constitution Part 3: Part Three: Scheme of Delegation to Officers from Full Council). Executive Summary The application relates to Nos.16 & 18 Castle Street within the Chipping Ongar Conservation Area and the setting of a Grade II Listed Building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier advice considered extending the cottages, while a previous application was refused for poor design and heritage impacts.

“Castle Street and construction of one new 3-bedroom semi- detached house in the position of the extensions of the two original houses (to be in future named as no. Castle Street) with 2 associated parking spaces for each house – Refused on Poor Design inc Heritage Impacts. Development Plan Context National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (Framework) Epping Forest Local Plan 2011-2033 (Adopted 2023) (LP) Ongar Neighbourhood Plan 2020 – 2033 (ONP)”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Five neighbours objected, and Ongar Town Council objected because one dwelling would have only one parking space instead of two.

“Summary of Representations Number of neighbours Consulted: 8. 5 response(s) received Site notice posted: Yes. 5, 14, 18A, 20 & 38 CASTLE STREET – Objections – Summarised as; • Overdevelopment; • Impact on Heritage Assets; • Loss of privacy; • Loss of light; • Air pollution; and • Noise, dust & traffic congestion concerns from construction phase. ONGAR TOWN COUNCIL – OBJECTS to this application on the basis on non-compliance with policy.”

“This includes providing sufficient off-street parking facilities to support the higher levels of car ownership in Ongar as a primarily rural area, including multiple car households, by using Essex Parking Standards 2009 or successor standards. Essex Parking Standards 2009 states on Page 63 under Parking Standards for Use Class C3: Dwellinghouses, that: • Houses with two or more bedrooms should have a minimum of 2 spaces per dwelling.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from an objector, a parish councillor, the applicant and the ward councillor.

What members discussed

Members discussed the application’s parking policy, design and heritage issues.

“The Committee then discussed the planning merits of the application. Issues discussed included parking policy, design and heritage.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee voted to approve the application.

“RESOLVED: The Committee voted to APPROVE the application.”

Minutes