Replacement two-storey dwelling at Denewood, Chorleywood Road, Rickmansworth

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of the existing bungalow and construction of a replacement two-storey self-build dwelling using the existing access.

“Relevant Planning History 1.1 00/00987/FUL - Single storey garage to replace existing car port - 29.09.2000 – Permitted 1.2 W/1930/73 - House in grounds - 30.07.1973 – Permitted and implemented 2 Description of Application Site 2.1 The application site contains a detached dwelling located on Chorleywood Road, Rickmansworth. The existing dwelling is a single-storey bungalow with a hipped roof and facing brick exterior.”

“The wider context of Chorleywood Road consists of large, detached dwellings of varied design and finish, with a diverse range of heights (including bungalows and two-storey dwellings), which gives a very mixed feel to the character of the street. Description of Proposed Development 3.1 Full planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing bungalow and the erection of a replacement two-storey dwelling.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended approval because the amended height, spacing, design, neighbour impact, access, parking and trees were acceptable subject to conditions.

“The proposed development contains a first-floor rear balcony, which is positioned centrally within the context of the rear elevation and includes solid, full height screening to obscure any direct sideward views, particularly towards Sunnyside. Subject to conditions, it is considered that the proposed balcony is acceptable.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected, while the tree officer supported approval with landscaping conditions and no responses were received from the footpath section or National Grid.

“The proposed development includes a new sliding gate at the vehicular entrance to the application dwelling, where it adjoins Sunnyside. Amended plans were received during the application which lowered the proposed ridge height to the replacement dwelling by 1.0m and the eaves height by 0.5m. The height to the single-storey rear projection and the eaves height to the side projection were also lowered by 0.5m, because of the changes.”

“A condition should be applied requiring further detail on the proposals for remedial landscaping to the front garden. This should include details of the landscaping within the RPA of the tree, which should be predominately soft landscape rather than hard surfacing. Chorleywood Parish Council: [Objection]”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Two objections raised concerns about height, scale, privacy, boundaries, overdevelopment, construction traffic, trees and the accuracy of the submitted information.

“Public/Neighbour Consultation 4.2.1 Neighbours consulted: 4. Responses received: 2 (Objections) 4.2.3 Summary of responses:”

“- Concerns over height and overbearing appearance. - Dispute over height shown to neighbouring properties. - Concerns over scale and massing. - Concerns over proximity to the boundary. - Concerns of overdeveloping an infill plot. - Loss of privacy due to proposed glazing. - Overbearing impact to neighbours given scale, height, and depth. - Loss of boundary screening. - Concerns over road traffic safety during construction.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A member of the public spoke against the application and the applicant spoke in favour.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the corrected street scene drawing, the existing access, highway consultation and whether construction traffic could use a temporary access.

“The Planning Officer reported that when the application had originally been submitted, officers had identified that the street scene drawing did not accurately portray the height of Sunnyside. The drawing had subsequently been corrected, and officers were satisfied that all drawings were now accurate with regard to the height of Sunnyside in relation to the proposed new dwelling.”

“A Construction Management Plan had been conditioned. Officers were asked to investigate whether a temporary access onto Chorleywood Road might be permitted by Herts Highways, in order to alleviate the neighbour’s concerns about use of the existing access by construction traffic. It was requested that if possible, a draft Construction Management Plan should be submitted for consideration prior to the site visit.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Lloyd moved, and Councillor Cooper seconded, deferral for a site visit and a draft Construction Management Plan; the vote was 7 to 1, with 3 abstentions.

“Councillor Lloyd moved, and Councillor Cooper seconded, that the application be deferred for a site visit, and that the applicant be requested to supply a draft Construction Management Plan. On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being 7 in favour, 1 against and 3 abstentions.”

Minutes

The application was deferred

The application was deferred for a site visit, and the applicant was asked to provide a draft Construction Management Plan.

“RESOLVED: that the application be deferred for a site visit, and the applicant be requested to supply a draft Construction Management Plan.”

Minutes