Four-bedroom self-build home at 16 Pewley Bank, Guildford

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing dwelling and building a four-bedroom, two-storey self-build house.

“Location: Pewley Bank, Guildford, GU1 3PU Proposal: Erection of a 4-bedroom two storey self-build dwelling house following the demolition of existing dwelling.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contained a detached house on a sloping large plot, surrounded mainly by two-storey detached homes, with a covered reservoir behind.

“The site currently consists of a two-storey detached dwelling on a large plot, which slopes up from the front of the site towards the rear of the site.”

“The surrounding topography is sloping, the application site slopes up from the road towards the rear (south) of the site, with the dwelling elevated slightly from road level. Properties on the opposite side of the road are set down from the road level, set into the sloping ground levels…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered a first-floor extension and storeroom, a double garage and playroom conversion, and a detached house.

“86/P/00814 - Extension of first floor bedroom and additional ground floor storeroom. Approve 26/08/1986”

“79/P/00614 - Erection of a double garage and conversion of existing garage to playroom and store. Approve. 12/06/1979”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, concluding that the replacement house would fit the area and respect neighbours, highways, trees, ecology and sustainability requirements.

“The proposal accords with national and local plan policies. The proposed development would result in a replacement dwelling within the Urban Area. As such, the principle of the proposed development is acceptable.”

“It has been shown that the proposed development would not result in harm to the character of the area. The proposal also respects the amenity of the adjacent neighbours and would not result in detrimental impacts on trees, highways or ecology. Overall, it is considered that the scheme represents a sustainable form of development.”

Officer report

Consultees’ responses

The highway authority and Thames Water raised no objections, while environmental health recommended controls for demolition and construction.

“Head of Environmental Health and Licensing:”

“A condition for a small sites Demolition and Construction Environmental Management Plan is recommended due to the proximity of other dwellings.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor addressed the committee, and a development management specialist presented the replacement dwelling and amended design.

What members discussed

Members considered the house’s scale, massing, design, relationship with neighbours and street scene, and its revised position further from the highway.

“Officers advised that the proposal accorded with the relevant planning policies and would not result in unacceptable harm to the character of the area, neighbouring amenity or the street scene.”

“In debate, Members discussed the scale, massing and design of the proposed replacement dwelling, together with its relationship to neighbouring properties and the surrounding street scene. Members also considered the revised siting of the dwelling, noting that it would be set further back from the highway than the existing property.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application unanimously, subject to the reported conditions and an amended construction-hours condition avoiding school drop-off and pick-up times during term time.

“The Chair moved the motion to approve application 25/P/01495, subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the Officer's report, with an amendment to the construction hours condition to avoid school drop-off and pick-up times during term time. The motion was seconded by Councillor Potter and was carried.”

Minutes