Planning Application – 16 Downs Wood & land to the rear of 37 – 47 Yew Tree Bottom Road
There has been quite a history of applications on this site and the latest one for 8 dwellings, including a pair of semi-detached houses and 6 detached houses, was heard at the March Planning Committee meeting.
Local councillors Jill Bray, Peter Harp and Nick Harrison all spoke on their concerns with the application. At the end of a lengthy debate permission was refused for three reasons.
Over-development of the site and out of character: The proposed development by virtue of the bulk, scale and massing of the dwellings, dominance of hard surfaces and parking areas to the front of the houses, together with the bin collection point on the access road, would appear cramped, overly dense, car dominated and out of character with the pattern of development in the locality.
Impact on the living conditions of No. 35 Yew Tree Bottom Road: The proposed development by virtue of the mass of the flank wall of plot 8 and its proximity to the boundary, would have an overbearing impact on the southern end of the rear garden of 35 Yew Tree Bottom Road and would overshadow the existing summerhouse during late afternoon hours, harmful to the residential amenities of this dwelling.
Refuse & recycling presentation point: The proposed development, by virtue of the location of the refuse and recycling presentation point, would result a harmful impact upon the residential amenities of 14 and 18 Downs Wood by way of noise and disturbance.
As we know from previous history on this site there is every likelihood that the Developer will appeal this decision. We will have to watch this space but the decision to refuse the application was passed with a sizeable majority.
From RBBC Planning Page and meeting record.
Applicant: Quarterhill Homes Ltd
Council Vote on record :
11 Against (Refusal) 1 For
On public record :
155 Comments from neighbouring householders.
155 Objecting 0 Supporting
A few of the 155 Objections received from 87 people. These are fairly typical.
Comment submitted date: Thu 31 Dec 2020
“In recent years the residents have been subjected to applications to demolish No.16 Downs Wood to enable the building of a variable number of houses to the rear on no less than 9 occasions – 1997, 2002, 2016 plus 2 amendments, July 2019 and July 2020 plus 2 amendments (to date). Every application up to and including the application in 2019 has been refused by the Planning Committee and on appeal. The proposals have changed little over the years and have always been refused for much the same reasons. Thousands of hours of residents and planning committee participants time has been wasted in a futile attempt to build properties that are not appropriate, not required and serve only to line the pockets of a few who would be unaffected by the disruption caused. It is time this nonsense was stopped once and for all and submissions to access this area from a narrow Downs Wood through No.16 Downs Wood was formally prohibited for all time.”
Comment submitted date: Wed 03 Feb 2021
“I cannot believe I have received another amendment to planning application 20/01369/F, this now falls under the category of harassment.”
Comment submitted date: Thu 31 Dec 2020
“Residents have been subjected to applications to demolish 16 Downs Wood to enable the building of a variable number of houses to the rear on 9 occasions – 1997, 2002, 2016 plus 2 amendments, July 2019 and July 2020 plus 2 amendments (to date).
This new amendment is the third submission by the developers to the same application 20/01369/F first submitted July 2020 and only 2 months after the previous amendment.
This continuous amendment application process is always timed during holiday periods and is causing unacceptable levels of stress and anxiety, particularly during the ongoing pandemic restrictions. It is disgusting that this latest amendment has been chosen to be submitted on the eve of the festive season when people are busy and may therefore potentially miss the deadline to submit comments, especially given seasonal postal delays and delays in receipt of the planning letter – yet another ploy to try and get the plans approved.”