7 affordable homes at 20 To 24 And 34 To 44 Anton Road, South Ockendon

What was proposed

The application proposed seven affordable homes, including a semi-detached pair, a terrace and an adapted bungalow, with parking and landscaping.

“Executive Summary: This application seeks planning permission for the redevelopment of a Council owned garage site located to the east side of Anton Road, South Ockendon proposing a total of 7 dwellings. The development would consist of one semi- detached pair (3 bedroom); a four-dwelling terrace (2nos. 2 bedroom and 2nos.3 bedroom) and; one adapted bungalow (1 bedroom). The dwellings would be affordable housing only.”

“PROPOSAL: Redevelopment of former garage site to create affordable housing for 7 dwellings; consisting of one semi-detached pair (3 bedroom); a four-dwelling terrace (2nos. 2 bedroom and 2nos.3 bedroom) and; one adapted bungalow (1 bedroom), including landscaping of the site, car parking and other associated ancillary development.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was a former garage area and an enclosed overgrown section, with an access road, existing rear-garden access and informal parking.

“The application site largely forms a T shape, set to the east side of Anton Road sited behind numbers 8 to 10 and 32 to 52 Anton Road. The site consists of an extensive area of hardstanding (from previously demolished garages), an existing small garage block, which is to be demolished (apart from one garage which falls outside of the red line), and an enclosed area hosting overgrown vegetation located at the north end of the site.”

“The access road leading to the main part of the site, also falling within the red line, serves 10 dwellings on Anton Road with a deep grass verge area to the front of the properties to the north which is sometimes used by residents as informal off-street parking. This verge area is included within…”

Officer report

Earlier site history

A previous garage application was approved in 1970, and a similar four-home council development was approved in August 2024.

“The garage block located at the end of the northern spur has already obtained planning permission at Planning Committee in August 2024 (ref: 24/00172/TBC) for a similar Council development to provide affordable housing for four dwellings.”

Officer report

Comments from neighbours

Four written objections raised concerns about overlooking, access, traffic, dust, pollution, noise, parking, infrastructure and retaining rear-garden access.

“- Overlooking - Access to the site - Additional traffic…”

“- Concerns over dust and pollution - Increase in noise - South Ockendon is already overly built up - Additional education and health infrastructure have not been provided through other nearby developments - Assurance that rear entrance to garden will be retained - This area is used for parking by existing residents - Parking on street and pavements will be increased…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker gave a statement, and there were no follow-up questions.

Members discussed the scheme

Members discussed heat pumps, pigeon-proofing solar panels and construction parking, then supported the housing need and family homes with gardens.

“Members queried the use of heat pumps noting that residents had no choice in the matter and sought evidence regarding the effectiveness. It was confirmed that it can take some time for residents to get used to, however there was no adverse commentary on heat pumps.”

“Members noted that there was a desperate need for housing and expressed support for the proposals, observing that the development would provide family homes with gardens.”

Minutes

The application was approved

Permission was granted subject to the conditions, with delegated authority to update the wording of the garage-access condition.

“The Senior Planner presented this item to the committee advising that since the publication of the agenda, the exact final wording of Condition 7 (relating to the access to the garage remaining on the site) was still being discussed between the applicant and the neighbour. Consequently, officers were also seeking delegated authority to revise the exact wording of Condition 7 once it had been agreed between the parties.”

“Recommendations: That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those conditions, and subject to the delegated authority to update the wording of Condition 7, as set out in section 16 of this report.”

Minutes