Back garden infill house at Byways, Beech Lane, Woodcote

A house in a back garden

The application sought full permission for a two-storey, two-bedroom house in the rear garden of an existing property, repositioned to protect nearby trees.

“Officers explained that the application site formed part of a large rear garden off Beech Lane. The site was located within the main built-up area of Woodcote, where the principle of new housing development was acceptable under the development plan, including the Woodcote Neighbourhood Plan. Policy H10 of the Neighbourhood Plan specifically allowed for back garden infill development subject to listed criteria.”

“The proposal was for a two-storey, two-bedroom dwelling within the rear garden of the existing house. The site would be served by the existing access and driveway from Beech Lane, which would be extended into the site following the demolition of the existing garage serving the host dwelling. The dwelling had been positioned within the plot to address technical issues relating to parking and turning space and to ensure sufficient separation from off-site trees.”

Minutes

Officers recommended approval

Officers found the design in keeping with the surrounding character, with no harm to neighbours' privacy, light or outlook, and recommended approval.

“Officers advised that the design respected the scale and appearance of surrounding development and ensured that the dwelling would not adversely affect neighbouring amenity in terms of privacy, light or outlook. Photographs were shown to illustrate the site context, including the existing dwelling, the garage to be demolished, and examples of previous back garden development in the area.”

“Officers concluded that the proposal accorded with the development plan as a whole, providing a new dwelling in a sustainable location with adequate highway access and parking. The design was considered in keeping with the character of the surrounding built form and would not harm the amenities of adjoining occupiers. There were no technical objections, and the application was therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

Minutes

Parish council, a neighbour and the applicant spoke

A councillor spoke for Woodcote Parish Council, a neighbour spoke in opposition, and the applicant spoke on her own behalf.

Members queried the access width

Members queried the access width and whether it met emergency vehicle requirements, and accepted that the Highways Authority had raised no objection and the scheme met neighbourhood plan criteria.

“Officers confirmed that the access width was approximately 2.9 metres at its narrowest point. Members queried whether this met requirements for emergency vehicle access. Officers explained that the Highways Authority had raised no objections and that a width of around three metres was considered acceptable. They added that conditions could be imposed to ensure the access was kept clear.”

“Members acknowledged the concerns raised by the Parish Council but noted that the Woodcote Neighbourhood Plan supported back garden infill development subject to criteria, which the proposal met.”

Minutes

Permission granted on a vote

A motion to grant planning permission was carried when put to the vote.

“A motion, moved and seconded to grant planning permission for application P24/S2684/FUL, was carried on being put to the vote.”

Minutes

Approved with multiple conditions

The application was approved subject to conditions covering materials, drainage, landscaping, biodiversity, lighting and withdrawal of permitted development rights.

“RESOLVED: To grant planning permission for application P24/S2684/FUL, subject to the following conditions: Commencement 3 years – Full Planning Permission 2. Approved Plans 3. Sample materials required (all) 4. Existing vehicular access 5. Parking & Manoeuvring Areas Retained 6. Cycle Parking (approved plans) 7. Landscaping (incl hardsurfacing and boundary treatment) 8. Tree protection (implementation as approved) 9. Surface water drainage works (details required) 10.”

Minutes