Three-bedroom dwelling at Land Adjacent 20 Alfriston Gardens, Southampton

The site and surroundings

The site was former garden land beside a bungalow, at the end of a cul-de-sac, next to a nature conservation site and protected trees.

“The site contains an annexed plot of former garden land to the side of No.20 Alfriston Gardens. The site lies at the end of a small cul-de-sac made up of semi-detached and link-detached bungalows. No.20 Alfriston Gardens is part of a semi-detached pair of bungalows that are partially below the road level. Site clearance and drainage investigations have been undertaken on the vacant garden plot.”

“Surrounding the south-western side and south-eastern rear boundaries is the Shoreburs Greenway, a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). There were 3 large trees overhanging the site, one of which has since fallen in recent winter storms, the remaining two have been protected via a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Two earlier schemes for detached three-bedroom homes were approved in 2013 and 2022, with the 2022 permission lapsing in August 2025.

“There have been 2 previously approved schemes for a 2 storey, detached 3 bed dwelling on this plot. The first was granted in 2013 (12/01948/FUL), then an identical scheme was granted consent in 2022 (21/01536/FUL).”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the amended proposal was considered acceptable and its benefits were not substantially outweighed by adverse effects.

“The site lies within the settlement boundary, where the principle of new residential development is considered acceptable. It is acknowledged that the proposal would make a contribution to the Council’s five-year housing land supply. There would also be social and economic benefits resulting from the construction of the new dwelling, and their subsequent occupation, as set out in this report.”

“It is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out below and completion of a Unilateral Undertaking or S.111 Agreement to secure a scheme of measures or a financial contribution to mitigate against the pressure on European designated nature conservation sites in accordance with Policy CS22 of the Core Strategy and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and trees officers raised no objection, while ecology concerns were addressed through amended plans and proposed mitigation conditions.

“Consultee Comments Trees & Open Spaces No objection to amended scheme – Previous concerns and identified discrepancies have been addressed by subsequent amended plans and updated arboricultural impact assessment. Based on the latest amended plans and the repositioning of the property, I am now at the stage that I would be able to support the design.”

“Case Officer update: Amended plans have been received providing a 1.5m gap along the boundary with the greenway and removing the stairwell windows. The identified three trees are no longer being removed (one fell in recent storms, the other two are being retained), and the service water pipe is no longer routed through the greenway. On this basis the objection has been addressed.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Five representations raised concerns about height, character, outlook, daylight, privacy, parking, construction effects, ecology and the consultation process.

“Consultation Responses and Notification Representations 5.1 Following the receipt of the planning application a publicity exercise in line with department procedures was undertaken which included notifying adjoining and nearby landowners and erecting a site notice 19.12.2025. A re-consultation took place in August 2026 on the amended plans.”

“Character, scale and design: The reduction in height is welcomed, but the proposed dwelling is still too high and out of character with neighbouring bungalows. Response This matter is discussed in the Planning Considerations further below.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident and the applicant addressed the meeting with the Chair’s permission.

The committee vote

The Panel confirmed the habitat assessment and unanimously approved the recommendations to delegate permission, subject to the stated changes and safeguards.

“The Panel then considered recommendation (2) that authority be delegated to the Director of Transport and Planning to grant planning permission subject to criteria listed in the report (as amended) and recommendations (3) and(4). Upon being put to the vote the recommendation was unanimously carried.”

“To confirm the Habitats Regulation Assessment set out in Appendix 1 of the report. That authority be delegated to the Director of Transport and Planning to grant planning permission subject to: i. the planning conditions set out within the report with condition 10 amended as set out below; and ii.”

Minutes