Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing property and redevelopment of the site to provide 9 two bedroom flats and one three bedroom flat in a three-storey block with accommodation in the roof space, formation of a new access onto Alexandra Road and the provision of ancillary car parking.  (Description amended 17.08.2016 and drawings received 25.08.2016).

Description

Demolition of existing property and redevelopment of the site to provide nine, two bedroom flats and one, three bedroom flat in a three-storey block with accommodation in the roof space, formation of a new access onto Alexandra Road and the provision of ancillary car parking.  (Description amended 17.08.2016 and amended drawings received 25.08.2016).

Decision

Planning permission is REFUSED for the following reasons:

(1)          The proposed building due to its generic design, detailing, and lack of coherence  fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of the local area, and does not make a positive contribution to the Borough’s visual character and appearance, contrary to Policy DM9, DM10 and DM11 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015

(2)          The proposed building due to its design, scale height and massing would appear as a dominant and overbearing element in the streetscene, contrary to Policy DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015

(3)          The proposed scheme would lead to a material diminution of rear garden land which collectively forms part of a larger swathe of green infrastructure, which contributes to the amenity of surrounding residents, contrary to Policy DM10, DM11 and DM16  of the Development Management Policies Document 2015 and Policy CS1 of the Core Strategy 2007.

(4)          Without an appropriate agreement to secure the provision of two affordable housing units the proposal is contrary to the provisions of Policy CS9, and CS12  of the Epsom and Ewell Core Strategy (2007)

(5)          The proposed scheme would not provide at least 25% of the housing units as three bedroom units and therefore would fail to meet the requirement of Policy DM22 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

The Committee noted a verbal representation from the applicant’s agent.  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.