Planning – Application Comments

Consultation Date: Wed 23 Dec 2020

Comment Date: Fri 15 Jan 2021

Observations:

No details have been submitted in relation to this pre-app enquiry and therefore it is difficult to determine the acceptability of the proposal.

The site has been subject of numerous planning applications 08/01990/FUL, 09/00427/FUL, 10/00548/FUL and 12/00697/FUL which have been refused on grounds relating to substandard accommodation, overlooking, out of character and visual harm.

The application site fronts onto a narrow lane which, beyond the site, provides secondary pedestrian access to the rear of 5 to 15 Haroldsleigh Avenue. There is some question over the suitability of the lane for pedestrian access due to the lack of designated footway for pedestrians. However, as the lane is less than 30m in length and has low levels of use, the access to the development could be considered adequate. Access to the lane is from Haroldsleigh Avenue which has a relatively narrow carriageway and where there is heavy demand for on-street car parking.

The number of vehicle movements associated with a dwelling are likely to be similar to a builders workshop/store and more likely to be restricted to cars rather than commercial vehicles. In addition the lane does not provide vehicular access to any other properties and therefore it would be likely to function in a similar way to the private driveways to the semi-detached house on this side of the street. Having regard to these circumstances and as per previous highway responses, there is no highway objection in principle to such a change of use.

The applicant should be made aware that any application coming forward would need to comply with council policy; 1 car parking space for a 1 bed or 2 car parking spaces for a dwelling with 2 or more bedrooms. In line with council policy, garage should be a minimum of 3m in width and 6m in length. Additionally cycle parking would be required at 1 per bed space. Furthermore, consideration should be given to adequate bin storage is required. The Local Highway Authority would not want to see bin storage in the garage which may impair on the ability for cars to park within the garage.

Overall, from a highway perspective there are no in-principal objections to the change of use to dwelling provided the parking level, parking space dimension, cycle parking and bin storage can be provided in accordance with local policy.

I hope these comments are helpful.

Kind regards,

Madeleine Hale

Transport Planning Officer
Officer authorised to sign on behalf of the Assistant
Director for Strategic Planning & Infrastructure