Garage and porch alterations at 1 Wildes Cottages, Ewell Road, Cheam

What was proposed

The application sought an internal garage, enclosed entrance porch and fenestration changes to an already approved extension scheme.

“This application seeks to amend an approved application (DM2022/00704) to allow for the provision of an internal garage, formation of an internal entrance porch and alterations to fenestration. The parent planning permission has now been implemented on site.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a two-storey end-terrace home in the Cheam Village Conservation Area, near locally listed buildings and a protected tree.

“The application site comprises a two storey end-of-terrace dwelling located on the south side of Ewell Road. The dwelling benefits from vehicular access onto Ewell Road and has been extended to incorporate a substantial single storey rear extension.”

“The site is located within Cheam Village Conservation Area, and is covered by a boroughwide Article 4 Direction - House of Multiple Occupation permitted development rights restriction, it is located within an Area of Potential Intensification, adjacent to locally Listed Buildings and opposite Cheam Park which is designated as Public Open Space and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and applications

The approved extension scheme was being built, while several later proposals for an additional dwelling had been refused or dismissed on appeal.

“DM2023/01181 - Demolition of existing garage and porch and erection of a two storey detached dwelling with parking to front. Refused on 12.01.2024 and dismissed at appeal.”

“DM2024/00054 - Demolition of existing garage and entrance porch and erection of a two-storey detached dwelling with parking spaces, provision of detached cycle and bin storage for both new and donor dwelling and new boundary treatment. Refused on 26.03.2024 and dismissed at appeal.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the amendments would respect the area, protect neighbours and future occupiers, and avoid highway or parking problems.

“The proposal would respect the local context of the site and would not result in harm to the character and appearance of the site and the surrounding area, including the Cheam Village Conservation Area.”

“The proposal would not result in harm to the amenity of neighbouring occupiers or the future occupiers of the property.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways officers and Transport for London raised no objections to parking or highway safety, with a construction logistics plan recommended by condition.

“A Construction Logistics Plan (CLP) is recommended to be secured by condition. External consultation Comments received Transport for London. No objections in terms of parking provision or highway safety impacts.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee and said the garage door would enable off-street parking, with no intention of alternative residential use.

What members discussed

Members discussed the conservation area, the Article 4 designation, the garage door’s visual impact and whether design changes should be explored.

“Members considered a petition (detailed in Appendix C) which objected to the application. Members noted the application was in a conservation area and discussed the proposal's potential effect on the conservation area's character and appearance. Officers indicated that the proposal was not considered to cause harm to the conservation area.”

“Members debated the visual impact of the proposed roller garage door, whether it would match the street scene and whether there were alternatives to improve the appearance of the garage. Members also considered whether the application could be deferred to explore design amendments.”

Minutes

The vote

A poll vote was held on the officers’ recommendation to grant permission.

“A poll vote on the officers’ recommendation to grant permission was held in accordance with Standing Order 31.4, when there voted:”

Minutes