Detached townhouse repositioning at Redevelopment Of Elm Hatch Elm Hatch, Harlow

“This section 73 minor material amendment application proposes the re-positioning of the single house approved under planning permission HW/FUL/23/00331 approximately 2.5m west of its approved position / away from the shared party wall with the existing terrace of houses.”

“The proposal would result in the provision of a detached house instead of an end terraced house.”

“Elm Hatch (“the site”) is located approximately 1.2km south-east of Harlow town centre. The site is split into two parts on St Andrew’s Meadow. The western section of the site contains the redundant and vacant land which previously sited The Hummingbird Pub, and the two retail units and associated car park. The eastern section of the site relates to the garage block abutting the terraced houses to the east.”

“The entire site is bound by Waterhouse Moor to the south (including no.144), a row of terraced houses to the east, the Church of St Andrew to the north (which has been repurposed as the Harlow Study Centre) and a path which leads to the Harlow Study Centre to the west.”

“App Number Proposal Status Decision Date HW/DEM/16/00429 Demolition of the Hummingbird, Elm Hatch. Prior Approval not Required 29/11/2016 HW/FUL/18/00246 Development of Elm Hatch and adjacent garage area to create 2no. retail units, 4no. 2 bedroom mobility flats, 1no. 3 bedroom semi-detached house and the creation of off street parking provision in surrounding streets.”

“Approved 12/12/2023 HW/FUL/24/00442 Installation of modular retail units to provide temporary trading space for the Convenience Store for the duration of the development works associated with planning application reference HW/FUL/23/00331 Approved 14/03/2025 HW/CND/25/00057 Application for approval of details reserved by condition 5 (Construction Management Plan), condition 6 (Construction Ecological Management Plan) & condition 7 (Bat Roost Inspections) of planning…”

“The Principle of Development of the residential/retail development has previously been accepted with the approval of application HW/FUL/23/00331 and the principle therefore remains acceptable.”

“Other than the re-positioning of the single house all other elements of the approved HW/FUL/23/00331 development remain unchanged and acceptable.”

“Following a site visit to assess any potential arboricultural constraints on the 30 th of June 2025, it is evident that the proposed changes to the development will not have an impact upon adjacent trees and other vegetation. Therefore, this application of variation on the development can be considered for consent without further arboricultural involvement.”

“The Council’s Waste and Recycling team were consulted on the amended house position and associated re-positioning of the refuse and recycling bins and do not object to the change.”

“- Concerned that the house is now a ‘townhouse’ - Concerned that the proposed house is higher and this will result in loss of privacy - Loss of sunlight concerns - Drainage/Flooding concerns…”

“The reference to the single house as a ‘townhouse’ does not mean that an additional storey / height has been added, this is just a descriptive term used by the applicant. No additional openings are proposed that might result in overlooking/loss of privacy. The objector’s properties are to the south of the proposed house and therefore no loss of sunlight will arise as a result of the proposed amendment.”

“The Committee received a report and application HW/REMVAR/25/00237 at Elm Hatch for a variation to condition 30 (Approved Plans) of planning permission HW/FUL/23/00331 for an amendment to the position of the single townhouse located on east side of the site to be positioned circa 2.5m away from neighbouring property.”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions in the report.”