Dwelling demolition at Knowsley, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought permission to demolish the existing dwellinghouse.

“The application seeks consent to demolish the existing dwellinghouse at the site.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant site contains a detached bungalow near the corner of Rareridge Lane and Hoe Road, within a continuous row of mainly detached bungalows.

“The application site comprises a detached bungalow located near the corner of Rareridge Lane and Hoe Road within the settlement boundary of Bishops Waltham. The site is currently vacant, with dense hedging/shrubbery to the front. The application site sits within a continuous row of dwellings that line the northern part of Hoe Road.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended permission because conditions would prevent harm to the area’s character, appearance and neighbouring residential amenity.

“The development is recommended for permission as it is considered that with the attached conditions the development would not have an adverse impact upon the character and appearance of the area in accordance with Policies DM15 and DM16 of the LLP2 D1 of the Emerging Local Plan, and would not harm neighbouring residential amenity in accordance with policy DM17 of the LPP2 and D7 of the Emerging Local Plan.”

Officer report

Main planning effects

Officers considered the loss of the dwelling would not materially harm the street, while demolition noise would be temporary and controlled by conditions.

“The proposal would result in the loss of the existing dwelling, creating a break in the rhythm of development along this stretch of the road. However, this disruption does not, in itself, constitute demonstrable harm. Planning policies (DM15 and DM16 of the LPP2) and the NPPF (2024) require that any harm must be significant and adverse to justify a reason for refusal.”

“Furthermore, the imposition of a condition requiring a detailed landscaping scheme to be submitted and approved by the LPA will ensure that the site has an appropriate appearance following demolition. This will help to soften the visual impact of the site post- demolition. Subject to ensuring boundary treatments and trees/vegetation are maintained and enhanced, it is considered that the site would still maintain a broadly coherent appearance along the street frontage.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council made a neutral comment, ecology officers had no objection subject to conditions, and the National Park Authority made no comments.

“Service Lead – Sustainability and Natural Environment (Ecology) - No objection subject to conditions. - Content with survey work. - Recommend condition on external lighting.”

Officer report

Objections received

Sixty objections raised concerns including the demolition’s justification, ecology, trees and hedges, the street scene, sustainability, nearby protected areas and loss of a home.

“Proximity to SSSI • Harm to the character and appearance of the street scene due to loss of dwelling • Contradicts sustainability policies • Damage to trees and hedges on site • Loss of a dwellinghouse…”

“The following considerations were raised but are not material planning considerations for this application: • Concern that the development would be used to provide access for future housing development in the area behind. • Concerns related to future housing development (traffic, biodiversity, impacts, etc). • Impacts on boundary treatments – party wall agreement…”

Officer report

Public speaking

[name withheld] spoke against the application.

Committee debate

Members asked questions and debated the application after being told about an adjoining property’s concern over possible damage.

“The application was introduced. Members were referred to the Update sheet which set out in full the following:”

“(i) An additional comment received from the adjoining property raising concerns that the proposal may cause damage to their property. It was noted that the red line plan identified the application site with all works confined to this area and a condition was recommended requiring details on the method of demolition to ensure minimal disruption to neighbouring properties. Any damage that occurred as a result of demolition would be considered a civil matter.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee granted permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives in the report and update sheet.

“The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report and the Update Sheet.”

Minutes

Conditions and safeguards

Permission included controls on demolition methods, site restoration, landscaping and external lighting.

“Prior to the commencement of the demolition, details of the proposed method of demolition and a proposed site restoration plan should be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The demolition and restoration plan shall be implemented in full during the course of the works.”

“Details of any external lighting (both during demolition and operation) of the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to its installation. This information shall include a layout plan with beam orientation and a schedule of equipment in the design (luminaire type, mounting height, aiming angles and luminaire profiles) and hours of operation.”

Officer report