Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing detached house and construction of two houses and four flats

Description

Demolition of existing detached house and construction of Two houses and Four flats.

Note:  The website link on the agenda was incorrect and should be replaced with the following link:

http://eplanning.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PTRJ3MGYFHF00

Recommendation

The Committee received a report seeking to build two houses and four flats with direct access to Ewell Village and, bounded by Gibraltar Recreation ground to the north west of the site.  The development would accommodate two parking spaces on the site and it was proposed that the parking demand for an additional six spaces would be accommodated using off street parking. 

The report outlined paragraphs 7 and 8 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Members were encouraged to view the proposed development in terms of sustainable development i.e. in terms of economic, social and environmental impact.  The Objectively Assessed Housing Need (OAHN) that required the Borough to build 695 dwellings per year was also emphasized and the Council’s commitment to maximising the five year land supply.

It was confirmed that the proposed development did not include sufficient spaces to meet the Council’s minimum parking standards and Members discussed the potential impact on surrounding streets and Gibraltar Recreation ground car park which was intended for residents who used the facilities in the park.  It was noted that the applicant had provided a transport statement and Surrey County Council (SCC) Highways had not raised any objections. 

It was acknowledged that the proposed development would maximise the density of the site.  Members deliberated the balance between potential less than significant harm to the character of a conservation area and the benefits associated with the provision of an additional five dwellings. 

Decision

Planning permission is REFUSED for the followings reasons:

(1)            The design of the development by reason of its scale, massing, bulk and detail would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Ewell Village Conservation Area, resulting in less than substantial harm to the designated heritage asset.  The development does not achieve public benefits that outweigh the harm and adverse impacts of the scheme when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy framework taken as a whole.  The proposal is contrary to the NPPF, policies DM8, DM9, and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015 and CS5 of the Core Strategy 2007.

(2)            The proposed development would not meet the parking standards as set out in DM37 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015 resulting in harm to the surrounding area in terms of streetscene and availability of on street parking, and failing to comply with CS16 of the Core Strategy 2007.

The Committee noted verbal representations from an objector and the agent for the application.  Letters of representation had been published on the Council’s website and were available to the public and members of the Committee in advance of the meeting.