Two three-bedroom houses at 2 Lyndhurst Drive

What was proposed

The application proposed two three-bedroom single-family houses with lower-ground excavation, air source heat pumps, landscaping, and refuse, recycling and bicycle storage.

“Applicant: [the applicant] (KIT London) Location: Land at the rear of 2 Lyndhurst Drive, E10 Proposed development: Construction of 2 x two-storey, 3-bedroom single- family dwelling houses with excavation to form lower ground level, air source heat pumps, soft and hard landscaping, and provision for refuse, recycling, and bicycle storage. Wards affected: Forest Appendices: None…”

“RECOMMENDATION 1.1 That planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions and informatives and the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement (S106) with the following Heads of Terms: • A contribution of £650 x 2 units = £1,300 in total towards SAMMS • An offset payment of £6,840 to achieve net-zero carbon. • Car-free designation for new units.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 212-square-metre plot is at the junction of Leigh Road and James Lane, behind 2 Lyndhurst Drive, in a dense residential area.

“Figure 1: The site is located on a plot facing Leigh Road and James Lane. Covering an area of 212 square metres, the plot is nestled within a densely populated residential zone.”

“The site is relatively square plot of land with an area of 212 m2, located at the junction of Leigh Road and James Lane to rear of 2 Lyndhurst Drive, and it is overgrown with vegetation. The primary access is via James Lane, a narrow access road, without footways serving the rear gardens and garages to houses fronting Lyndhurst Drive and Forest Road West. No.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and use

The site has a history of refused housing and garage applications, and was used for vehicle storage after becoming a separate planning unit.

“RELEVANT SITE HISTORY (A) Planning 5.1 Reference: 1997/0991 (970007) 5.2 Proposal: Erection of 5 Garages in Rear Garden 5.3 Decision: The application was refused on 01/01/2001. However, records indicate that an appeal was allowed on 28/01/1999.”

“Reference: 2012/1458 (120838) 5.15 Proposal: Erection of five garages in rear garden 5.16 Decision: The application was refused on 05-12-2012 for the following reason: The proposed garage block, due to its size and location, constitutes an excessive and inappropriate form of development that would have a significantly negative impact upon the visual appearance of the street…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Seven objections raised concerns about density, character, parking, environmental effects, flooding, infrastructure, affordability, home size and retaining green space.

“Environmental Concerns - Concerns have been raised regarding the potential loss of the mature London Plane tree and the impact of reduced green space on drainage and biodiversity. These matters have been With respect to the London Plane tree, the submitted Arboricultural Impact Assessment confirms that the tree is unlikely to be affected by construction works, as its root system does not extend beneath the proposed development area. To…”

“General Concerns About Development – the development prioritises profits over community well- being on a plot that can be improved without the building of houses by providing green space It is important to clarify that the site in question is privately owned and lawfully designated as a garage plot. It is not recognised or protected as public open space or designated green space in the Local Plan.”

Officer report

Public speakers

Public speakers were listed for the planning committee item.

The committee decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions, informatives and completion of a Section 106 legal agreement with specified financial and highway obligations.

“That planning permission be granted for application 240555 subject to conditions and informatives and the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement (S106) for the construction of 2 x two-storey, 3-bedroom single-family dwelling houses with excavation to form lower ground level, air source heat pumps, soft and hard landscaping, and provision for refuse, recycling, and bicycle storage, with the following Heads of Terms:”

“A contribution of £650 x 2 units = £1,300 in total towards SAMMS • An offset payment of £6,840 to achieve net-zero carbon. • Car-free designation for new units. • Condition survey of surrounding highway for carriageway and footway on James Lane and Leigh Road, covering all junctions used for vehicle routing. • £2,000 S106 contribution for sustainable transport. • £250 S106 contribution for CLP monitoring.”

Minutes