Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance).

Report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the erection of eight apartments following demolition of the existing bungalow.

The application site was located on the south side of Tolmers Gardens in the settlement of Cuffley.  The road was a residential cul-de-sac close to the centre of Cuffley containing detached and semi-detached houses of one and two storeys with consecutive numbering.  The ground level rose along the street and the roadway curved so there was not a continuous building line.

The site comprised a detached bungalow sited on the east of the plot.  The site incorporated the end of the rear garden of No. 11 and a slice of the rear garden and front forecourt of No. 13.  Both of these neighbouring properties were two storey.  No. 13 had recently been converted into two self-contained flats (6/2017/2013/FULL).  Land levels on the site sloped downward from west to east which resulted in the application dwelling being at a noticeably lower level than No. 13. 

The application had been presented to the Development Management Committee because it had been called in by Councillor Sarson on the following grounds:

“This would be overdevelopment in a rural area and totally out of character.”

Mr Anthony Sarno, Applicant, spoke in support of the application referring to the need for smaller properties for those wishing to downsize and remain within the Cuffley area.  There was considerable support from local residents regarding this application and similar.

Mrs Ruth Rutherford, Objector, spoke against the application stating that a significant number of residents objected to the proposal which would be out of place and totally out of character of the narrow road which mainly comprised of detached family homes.  The proposed development would have a significant impact on the neighbouring properties which would be overshadowed, give an urban feel to the road and would exacerbate the parking issues currently experienced by residents.

Northaw and Cuffley Parish Councillor Andrea Allgood spoke against the application, citing the main points contained in the major objection to the proposal.  These included that the block would be out of character with Tolmers Gardens, over development of the site as the proposed mass scale and bulk of the proposal was unacceptable.  A plan for two semi-detached houses had already been refused for this site. 

Mr Roger Roberts, Supporter, spoke in favour of the application, explaining his own personal needs and that of his family.  Mr Roberts referred to the lack of availability of properties available which would allow for him and other local residents to downsize and remain in the Cuffley area.  The proposed development would allow for adult dependents to continue to live with their families, whereas retirement complexes would not.  He was of the view that easy accessibility to the shops and railway station would alleviate the parking problems currently experienced in the road.

Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor T.Lyons, seconded by Councillor A.Chesterman and

RESOLVED:

(10 voting for and 3 against)

That planning permission be approved subject to the conditions contained in the report.

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