Four dwellings at 53 Swinbrook Road, Carterton

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered roof-space conversion, a garage change of use, garage construction and a rear conservatory.

“W76/0420 Conversion of roofspace to form 2 bedrooms & toilet. 7th June 1976. Approved. W78/0112 Change of use of double garage to domestic utility room and woodworking workshop in connection with applicant's trade of wood turner. Approved February 1978. W79/1172 Construction of garage. Approved October 1979. W97/1645 Erection of rear conservatory. Approved December 1997.”

“49 Swinbrook Road, Carterton - 06/0358/P/FP - Demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings, erection of eight semi-detached dwellings with associated garages, alterations to existing vehicular accesses. Approved April 2006.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended provisional approval because the adverse effects would not substantially outweigh the benefits, subject to design and biodiversity matters being resolved.

“Therefore, in this case, subject to amendments being made to the parts of plots 1 &2 that are visible from the street scene, the adverse design effects of the proposed development are not considered to outweigh the substantial benefits of the proposed development.”

“In conclusion, taking into account planning policies, other material considerations and the comments of interested parties, the adverse effects of the proposed development are not considered to substantially outweigh the benefits of the proposal when assessed against the policies in the NPPF (2026), subject to the biodiversity officer's comments being addressed and amendments being made to plots 1 &2 to address the design officer's comments, as detailed above.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Nine neutral or objection comments raised concerns including design, privacy, parking, highway safety, noise, ecology, trees, overdevelopment and the site’s condition.

“Nine neutral and objection comments have been received. Full details can be found on the online case file. In summary, the following concerns have been raised:”

“- Design and layout - Neighbourliness - The proposed height of the new dwellings will be higher than the existing dwelling unit1-2 - Impact on privacy to Stoneleigh Drive through removal of existing garage - Lack of visitor parking - Impact on highway safety - Inaccuracies in the application - Contamination/asbestos - Impact on neighbouring amenity such as noise and nuisance, light, privacy - Impact on ecology and trees - Does not reflect the existing character and…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker objected over privacy, daylight, balconies, parking, noise and safety, while the applicant’s representative supported the scheme and asked members to approve it.

Members’ debate

Members discussed overlooking, Juliet balconies, parking standards and boundaries, and officers explained the proposed safeguards and layout.

“Subject to the proposed condition, officers remained satisfied that the impact on neighbouring amenity would be acceptable. • Members raised concerns regarding the overlooking from the Juliet balconies and the condition to prevent the use of the balcony area. The officer explained that the Juliet balcony was a feature and not a full balcony. There would be a barrier across the Juliet balcony opening and would not provide a usable extendable space.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Dan Levy proposed approval, Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt seconded it, and members voted seven for, one against and two abstentions.

“This was seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt and put to the vote. Vote: for approval 7, against 1, abstain 2 The Sub-Committee Resolved to: 1. Approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendations. Councillor Steve Cosier left the meeting.”

Minutes