Rear garden parking space at 56 Darnley Road, Strood, Rochester

What was proposed

The application proposed a crossover, replacement rear fencing and a double gate to create a hard-surfaced parking space in the rear garden.

“The application seeks permission for the formation of a crossover from Dart Close to the rear garden of 56 Darnley Road. This would require the replacement of part of the rear fence with a new double timber gate to gain access to the new hard surfaced parking area within the rear garden.”

“Summary information Hardstanding Proposed Max depth 6.0m Max width 4.0m Vehicle crossover Proposed Max depth 0.5m Max width 4.0m Fence and gate Proposed Max height 1.8m…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is an end-terrace home with a rear garden beside an access road where some nearby homes have garages and parking.

“Darnley Road is a two-storey, end-of-terrace property located within the urban area of Strood. To the front, the property fronts an area of grassed public amenity land and is accessed via a pedestrian pathway. To the rear, the property supports a single storey rear projection and a private garden amenity.”

“The wider street scene is characterised by residential properties encompassing two-storey terraces houses. The properties in the vicinity of No.56 front onto grassed public amenity land to the front, and back onto a rear access road of Dart Close. Some dwellings support detached garages that front onto this rear access of Dart Close as well as use it for parking provision.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would retain garden space and would not harm the street scene, residential amenity or highway safety.

“A condition is recommended to ensure the proposed hardstanding is formed of permeable material or provided with suitable on site drainage arrangements to ensure surface water does not flow onto the public highway. . It is considered that the proposal would not result in harm to the highways function or highways safety.”

“The proposed development would not detract from the overall character and appearance of the host dwelling or street scene of Dart Close and would retain a significant amount of private garden area. The proposed parking space does not raise any highway issues although it may impact on on-street parking on Dart Close, while alleviating some pressure on Darley Road.”

Officer report

Objections raised

Ten letters objected to parking loss, highway and pedestrian safety, traffic, congestion, emergency access, social isolation, character and construction disruption.

“Increased strain/loss of on-road parking provision within Dart Close; Highways safety from interference with turning circle; Highways safety/impediment to pedestrian crossing from Tamar Drive; Increased traffic from within Dart Close; Congestion of Dart Close; Restricted access of emergency/service vehicles; Social isolation of residents. Out of character of the area. Disruption from construction of works if implemented.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planner presented the application to the committee.

Committee discussion

The committee discussed the application after considering the officer presentation and report.

“The Committee discussed the planning application noting the officer presentation and the report.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the three conditions and reasons set out in the officer recommendation.

“APPROVED subject to conditions 1 to 3 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report.”

Minutes