Replacement garage and outbuildings at 15 Chestnut Drive, Ashurst, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for a replacement garage, a second outbuilding and an attached log store.

“The application seeks retrospective planning permission for the removal of the former garage and the construction of a replacement dual-pitched garage, together with a second outbuilding and attached log store. The buildings are positioned further north and east than the previous garage, closer to the northern and eastern boundaries.”

“The garage measures circa 3.6 metres to the ridge and is clad in horizontal timber boarding with a tiled roof to match the dwelling. The second outbuilding is flat-roofed, measuring circa 2.48 metres in height, with an attached log store. Both structures are clad in matching timber. The submitted plans describe the use of the garage for vehicle storage and the smaller building for storage and a cinema room.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a two-storey detached house in Ashurst, with protected trees along the rear boundary and several existing garden structures.

“15 Chestnut Drive is a two-storey detached dwelling constructed in buff brick with a tiled roof, located within the defined New Forest village of Ashurst. The property sits within a small close of similar houses. The rear boundary is formed by protected trees, and the plot widens towards the garden. Ground levels are generally flat.”

“The house has been extended to the side and rear under permission 13/99074. Until recently, a detached mono-pitched double garage stood at an angle on the north side of the dwelling. Several small domestic structures, including sheds and a pergola, are also present within the rear garden.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Permission for a double garage was refused in 1986, and the house has since been extended under an earlier permission.

“Erection of a double garage (NFDC/86/31638) refused on 23 May 1986”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the buildings were proportionate domestic outbuildings that would protect the village character and neighbours’ amenity.

“Policy DP37 permits domestic outbuildings where they are proportionate and clearly subservient to the dwelling they serve; are located within the residential curtilage of an existing dwelling; are required for purposes incidental to the dwelling; are not providing additional habitable accommodation; and whether they will not reduce private amenity space, including parking provision, to an unacceptable level.”

“The outbuildings accord with Policy DP37. They would not harm the residential character of the defined village, the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, or the tranquillity of the National Park. Permission is recommended subject to conditions as the development would accord…”

Officer report

What people said

Supporters described the buildings as suitable domestic structures, while an objector raised concerns about overbearing impact, privacy, drainage and future residential use.

“The previous garage had subsidence issues and required replacement. • The new structures are more appropriate to the setting and cause no harm to neighbours. • The buildings comply with permitted development height and siting limits. • The buildings are for incidental domestic use only and not self- contained accommodation.”

“The development is overbearing and results in loss of privacy to no. 14 due to height, raised base, and proximity to the boundary. • The footprint is significantly larger than the original garage and negatively affects outlook. • Concern that the buildings are not incidental but capable of future residential use. • Reference to the 1986 refusal for being unneighbourly, with concern that the site is now overdeveloped.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke as the public participant for the application.

The vote

Members voted unanimously to grant planning consent subject to conditions.

“25/00862/FULL Details 15, Chestnut Drive, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7DW - Replacement garage; construction of new outbuilding; store [the agent] (Agent) Decision Planning consent granted subject to conditions Conditions 1. Development shall only be carried out in accordance with plans:”

“The buildings the subject of this permission shall only be used for purposes incidental to the dwelling on the site and shall not be used for habitable accommodation such as kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms.”

Minutes