Two semi-detached homes at Avondale Close, Loughton

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing most of the garages and building two two-storey semi-detached homes with four parking spaces and rear gardens.

“Development Proposal Planning permission is sought for the demolition of the lock-up garages (except for Garage No. 177) and to construct two, two-storey, semi-detached property. Each dwelling will have a lounge, a wc…”

“In addition to the dwellings, four off-street parking spaces will be provided, two for each unit along with a residential garden to the rear as shown on the Block Plan: 2429-04 C”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is hard surfaced, occupied by 15 lock-up garages, and surrounded by two-storey homes, with access from Avondale Close.

“Site and Surroundings The application site relates to a rectangular piece of land located at the end of Avondale Close, Loughton. The land is occupied by a row of lock-up garages, 15 in total, numbered 177 to 191. The garages are rented out to local residents on a short-term basis except for No. 177 where it is privately owned by an occupier who resides at Avondale Close.”

“The site comprises of hard surfacing. Access to the garages is via an existing dropped kerb off Avondale Close.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications for two houses, two maisonettes and four flats were refused, and this proposal was submitted as a resubmission.

“This planning application is a resubmission following the refusal of planning permission EPF/1456/24 for the construction of four x one-bed flats on this site.”

“Relevant Planning History • EPF/1334/88 – Outline application for two semi-detached houses plus garages. Refused on 7 October 1988 • EPF/0109/89 - Outline application for two maisonettes. Refused on 21 April 1989. • EPF/1456/24 - Erection of Proposed New Flats. Refused on 20 September 2024.”

Officer report

Objections received

Twenty-seven representations objected to privacy, light, scale, parking, flooding, drainage, noise, gardens, housing quality and Epping Forest impacts.

“Loss of privacy/ overlooking • Overshadowing / loss of light • Overlooking to residential gardens • Roof to be designed to allow loft conversions • Lack of parking • Same footprint as previously refused • Development is too big and cramped • The height, depth and mass of the dwelling is overbearing • Issues with flooding and surface water drainage • Noise pollution caused by air source heat pumps • Impact on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation • The site is…”

“Garden area for the proposed properties is insufficient • Heat pumps at the front are unsightly and would generate nuisance noise • Flooding and drainage issues • The application does not address the EFSAC”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from an objector, a Loughton town councillor, the applicant and the ward member.

The committee vote

Members discussed the planning merits, voted against the officer recommendation and proposed reasons for refusal.

“The Committee then discussed the planning merits of the application. The Committee then voted against the Officer’s recommendation to approve the application. Cllr M Dadd proposed, which was seconded by Cllr C Amos proposed reasons for refusal as stated below.”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was refused because the development was considered dominant and cramped, overbearing to neighbours, unsafe in flood-risk terms and inadequately secured for Epping Forest mitigation.

“(1) The proposed development, due to its height, scale, bulk, depth, mass, and position when compared to the character and urban grain of the area would result in a dominant, incongruous and a cramped form of development.”

“(2) The bulk, mass, height and depth of the proposed development would have an overbearing impact to neighbouring residential properties resulting in an unneighbourly form of development. The development proposal would therefore be contrary to Policy DM9 of the adopted Epping Forest District…”

Minutes