Two detached dwellings at Land At Carman's Close, Loose

“APPLICATION: Demolition of 3(no) existing garages and greenhouse, reconfiguration of garden land, and erection of 2(no) detached dwellings with associated access and parking.”

“The application site is located on the southern side of Carman’s Close, some 30m to the west of the junction with Loose Road; it is of a general rectangular shape and seen as previously developed land; and it consists of garden land associated to properties on Loose Road (including outbuildings and parking area), as well as an undeveloped strip of amenity land next to the road.”

“23/503590 – Demolition of 3 garages & greenhouse, reconfiguration of garden land and erection of 2 detached dwellings – Refused for following (summarised) reason: ‘Proposal, by virtue of its scale and layout, would harmfully erode existing open feel of prominent site.”

“This application was subsequently dismissed at appeal (ref: APP/U2235/W/24/3342107; 08/01/25) with the Inspector concluding the excessive amount of hardstanding would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, whilst leaving insufficient space for meaningful landscaping. This decision will be discussed in more detail below.”

“RECOMMENDATION: GRANT PLANNING PERMISSION subject to conditions…”

“SUMMARY OF REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION: The proposal does not accord with policy LPRSP9 of the Local Plan Review, in that there are no exception policies for the proposed dwellings in this designated countryside location.”

“LOCAL REPRESENTATIONS: 3 received raising concerns over: Water supply; highway safety/parking provision; residential amenity; loss of landscaping; and private covenants.”

“Loose Parish Council: Confirm they have no objection and have made no further comments.”

“Impact upon character and appearance of area; ● Biodiversity implications; ● Residential amenity; ● Highway safety/parking provision; and ● Other matters.”

“Notwithstanding this, the previous appeal was dismissed because the Planning Inspector took the following view (as summarised): ‘However, proposal would introduce a significant amount of hardstanding which would cover a substantial area of front of site. In particular, there would be a very large expanse of hardstanding to front of dwelling at Plot 2....The hardstanding would cover approx.”

“That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informative set out in the report with an additional informative suggesting that the applicant investigate whether any covenants affect the land.”

“That the Head of Planning and Economic Development be given delegated powers to be able to settle or amend any necessary planning conditions and/or informatives in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”