In a decision notice published earlier this month, a planning inspector has dismissed proposals to demolish a garage in Cherry Garden Road and build a two-storey house in its place.
The applicant, Brandon Pettett of Pettlett Ltd, had argued the proposals would be a “sustainable development” on a “windfall” site, which would help Eastbourne Borough Council to improve its housing land supply position.
The appeal itself had been lodged on grounds of non-determination, as the council had not made a formal decision to either allow or refuse the application within the statutory timeframe.
Despite this, in its appeal statement, the council said it would have refused the proposals due to: the scheme’s impact on the character and appearance of the local area; flood risk; and harm to the living conditions of both future occupiers and neighbouring residents.
These concerns were shared by the planning inspector, who had concerns about the appearance of the proposed building. They said it would “appear very cramped and an overdevelopment of the plot”, as a result of its size when compared to the size of the plot.
The inspector also said “the scale and design of the proposed dwelling would be visually discordant with the size, scale and spacing of the surrounding properties” and concluded it would harm the living conditions of neighbours as a result of a loss of outlook.
The inspector also felt there was insufficient information about the development’s effect on surface water drainage and would provide insufficient outdoor amenity space for future residents.
In their decision notice, the inspector said: “I attach significant weight to the principle of housing delivery, and this includes in this situation where the housing supply is considerably short of requirements, but the benefits arising from a net addition of one unit would be relatively modest.
“However, the provision of the new housing would materially harm the character and appearance of the local area and would harm the living conditions of existing and future residents. I also cannot be satisfied that the proposal would not increase flood risk elsewhere.
“When assessed against the policies in the [National Planning Policy] Framework, taken as a whole, the adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. Therefore, the proposal would not be a sustainable form of development.”
In light of this conclusion, the inspector dismissed the appeal.
For further information see application reference 240728 on the Eastbourne Borough Council planning portal.
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