Dwelling amendments at 3 The Lawns, Burridge, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought changes to windows, Juliet balconies, planters, garden levels, fencing, a rear step, garage access and a lift.

“VARIATION OF CONDITION 1 (APPROVED PLANS) OF PLANNING APPLICATION REFERENCE P/22/1473/RM TO INCLUDE AMENDMENTS TO FENESTRATION AND THE PROVISION OF JULIETTE BALCONIES, PROVISION OF RAISED PLANTER; CHANGES TO GARDEN LEVELS; INCREASED DEPTH OF REAR STEP; BOUNDARY FENCING AND GARAGE ACCESS PROVISIONS.”

“Raised garden levels: The submitted drawings indicate that the rear garden has been levelled out which involves raising the ground at certain points. Based on the submitted drawings, the maximum extent to which the garden has been raised is approximately 465mm in the north-eastern corner of the garden. Elsewhere the changes to the garden levels are more modest, such as a raising of approximately 195mm in the south-eastern corner of the rear garden.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached dwelling within seven properties accessed by a tarmacked track, with a public footpath and development to the north.

“Site Description 2.1 This application relates to a detached dwelling located within a group of seven properties set to the north of 246 Botley Road. The group of properties is accessed via a tarmacked track in between 244 and 246 Botley Road.”

“The application site is positioned towards the middle of the wider development site, with a public footpath located to the north and with the development Caigers Green located beyond.”

Officer report

Earlier approvals

The changes followed reserved matters approval in January 2023 and later amendments approved by the council in November 2023.

“The application seeks a number of amendments to a development granted reserved matters approval in January 2023 (application reference P/22/1473/RM). Following that approval being granted, further amendments were approved by the Council most recently in November 2023 (application reference P/23/1427/VC).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the design, residential amenity, parking and habitat impacts acceptable, with conditions controlling roof access and privacy.

“Officers have considered these concerns carefully. The nearest edge of the roof over the single storey section of the dwelling is approximately 10.8 metres from the party boundary with 5 The Lawns. Officers are of the view that any use of the roof as a balcony or external amenity area would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the privacy of the neighbouring property by virtue of increased overlooking.”

“Officers have also sought advice from the Council’s Building Control Partnership who have confirmed that the expectation is that if access is freely available to a flat roof area such as this then appropriate balustrading should be provided.”

Officer report

Concerns raised

Eight representations raised concerns about noise, overlooking, glazing, garden levels, fencing, landscaping, parking, construction differences and boundary impacts.

“Representations 6.1 Eight letters of representation have been received which raise the following concerns:”

“Fencing causes noise when windy • Plans are not what has been constructed • Does not include changes to front door • Noise generated from air source heat pump • Garage is not intended to be used for car parking • Inappropriate appearance of front door • Raising of garden levels unnecessary • Flat roof extension could be used as a balcony • Lack of obscure glazing at first floor including ensuite • Lack of obscure glazing on second floor • Changes to internal layout • Water…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee received a deputation about the application.

What members considered

Members were advised to decide the application using the as-built position shown in the deputee’s photographs, because door positions differed from the presentation material.

“The Committee’s attention was drawn to the Update Report which contained the following information: -”

“Based on the photographs provided by the deputee, it was evident that the position of the doors at first floor within the rear elevation differed from those shown on the photographs and drawings included within the Planner’s presentation to the Planning Committee. Members were advised that the decision on this application should be based on the as-built situation shown in the deputee’s photographs.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The officer recommendation to approve was carried by five votes in favour and four against.

“Upon being proposed and seconded the officer recommendation to: -”

“Was voted on and CARRIED. (Voting: 5 in favour; 4 against)”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to the report conditions, with authority delegated to the Head of Planning to modify, delete or add conditions.

“(ii) AUTHORITY BE DELEGATED to the Head of Planning to: -”

“(a) Make any necessary modification, deletion or addition to the proposed conditions.”

Minutes