BCP Council (Poole area): Matt is delighted to announce that he has recently secured planning permission for the severance of the plot and erection of a contemporary detached dwelling with associated access and parking in Lilliput, Poole designed by Marlow Architects.
The proposed development was close to Lilliput “village” centre, within an existing residential area. Historically many of the houses between Sandbanks Road and Dorset Lake Avenue were originally single houses on long plots and over the past 15 years, one by one have all (but two) been subdivided with new infill houses fronting and running along the eastern side of Dorset Lake Avenue. This site was the next one in line.
We presented a robust submission package to the LPA demonstrating that the proposed plot severance would result in a new plot of size sufficient to provide adequate parking and amenity space for the future occupants, whilst maintaining adequate amenity space for the existing occupants. Thus the land severance would follows the established pattern of development and presents an opportunity to make an effective use of this sustainable site.
Whilst the new dwelling was of a contemporary design with significant levels of glazing and undeniably different to the donor property, because of the context of the site it would reflect other modern flat roofed designs found locally and as such would be a harmonious addition and would not result in harm to the character and appearance of the area.
In terms of the amenity for the new dwelling, the floorspace exceeded the minimum space standards and all rooms have acceptable levels of light and outlook without overlooking neighbouring dwellings. The garden was on the small side but there is no adopted policy which stipulates that gardens have to be a certain size or orientation. It will come down to market forces and the garden size and orientation will be factored in by the purchaser of the dwelling.
The officer agreed and made her recommendation to approve the application. But the application was called into planning committee by the Ward Councillor following pressure from a handful of objectors. Matt presented a robust deputation to the members of the planning committee who initially raised concerns with the size of the garden. Matt had predicted that this may be a concern and in his deputation explained how the external amenity space consists of a private rear courtyard garden which would receive morning sun and a first floor terrace area to the front of the property off the main living space which would receive the afternoon/evening sun providing useable and comfortable amenity areas for future occupiers, similar to many of the other aforementioned subdivided properties. The scheme was approved with all but one of the Councillors voting in favour.
If your house has a large side or rear garden and you’ve always wondered whether you could secure planning permission for an additional dwelling on the plot, give Pure Town Planning on 01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk and we’d be happy to take a look and let you know our thoughts.